Violet Salerno, a lifelong resident of Kenosha passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, February 22, 2015, just shy of her 91^st birthday.

Violet was born to Albert and Mary Tenuta on March 10, 1924. She grew up in the Italian-American neighborhood that surrounded Columbus Park and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church with her four sisters, Nancy, Theresa, Deloris, Jeanie and brother, Albert. She graduated from Mary. D. Bradford in 1942.

She married her high school sweetheart, Richard Swartz in 1947. They raised their four sons, James, Gregory, Rick and Christopher at their home on 73^rd Street. After 21 loving years of marriage, Richard passed away in 1968.   With the support of family and friends, Violet was able to hold down a full-time job while she raised her sons as a single parent. This all changed, when on a blind date, she met Ernie Salerno. They fell in love and married in December of 1973, creating a new family with the addition of Ernie’s children, Jim Salerno and Marilyn (Salerno) Layden.

Violet enjoyed golfing, dancing, playing cards and the occasional stop in Las Vegas, but most of all, she enjoyed being with her family. Her trips took her to North Carolina, Northern Wisconsin, California, Arizona, and Hawaii. However, Violet’s favorite trip was when she, her children and their spouses traveled to Italy to celebrate her 80^th birthday.

Violet is survived by her sons and daughters- in-law, Kathy, Mona, Beth, Katie, and Carolyn; her daughter and son in-law, Jack; her grandchildren, Angel (Garrett), Rick (Valerie), Aaron (Kristi), Leah (Spencer), Jackie (Mike), Graham, Elliott, Brenna, Kyle, Lonnie (Kristy), Danielle (Eric), Brady (Ava), Andy (Jessica), Aimee (Nate) and Abbie; thirteen great-grandchildren (with 3 more coming this summer); one great-great-grandchild and special friend and caregiver, Franca Rosenfeldt.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Parkside Manor for their exceptional care given to Violet during her stay.

A video celebration of Vi’s life can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHZKYXEI46Y

Service Info

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 27, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at Piasecki-Althaus Funeral Home, 3720 39th Avenue. Private inurnment will be held in St. George Cemetery.