This Book of Memories memorial website is designed to be a permanent tribute paying tribute to the life and memory of Ralph Salzano. It allows family and friends a place to re-visit, interact with each other, share and enhance this tribute for future generations. We are both pleased and proud to provide the Book of Memories to the families of our community.

Thank you.

Cancel
Select Candle

Obituary for Ralph Salzano

Ralph  Salzano

Ralph Salzano passed away on Monday, November 20, 2017 at Hackensack UMC/Mountainside Hospital.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10am on Monday, November 27 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Montclair with an entombment at Glendale Mausoleum in Bloomfield. Visiting will be held on Sunday November 26th from 1-4pm at Caggiano Memorial, 62 Grove St, Montclair. Caggianomemorial.com

Ralph was born in Newark NJ to Italian immigrants, Maria and Frank Salzano, on November 5, 1929. One of 8 children, Ralph grew up poor during the Great Depression. However, even at a very young age, he developed a strong work ethic. He landed jobs at Lionel Trains and Coca-Cola early in his life. He also spent time working as a corrections officer in Annandale Penitentiary.

In 1965 after marrying the love of his life, Cynthia Manze, Ralph decided to resume his education and earned his B.A. in Health and Physical Education from Jersey City State College in 1972. During his time as an undergraduate, he was an assistant baseball coach for the college. In 1976, Ralph received an M.A. in Administration and Supervision. After completing his education, he began teaching at Barringer H.S. in Newark, NJ. While on faculty at the school, Ralph became a prominent coach in Baseball and Football at Barringer and Newark East Side high schools. After coaching his team to the state finals in baseball in 1981, Ralph retired from coaching and was appointed Athletic Director at Barringer High School in 1987. His passion for sports and education drove him to expand the athletic program at the school to include over 30 sports teams. In 2001, Ralph was named Athletic Director of the Year by the NJSIAA. After 30 years with the Newark Schools, he retired in 2001.

Ralph will be remembered for his outgoing personality, and larger-than-life demeanor. A man of integrity and character, he played by the rules both on and off the playing field. It was common for him to run into students from years ago who then would recount their experiences with Coach Salzano. He left an indelible mark on many lives.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his wife of 52 years, Cynthia; two children, Dr. Laura Salzano Borgos (George); and Dr. Brian Salzano, (Connie); 3 grandchildren, Ethan Salzano, Gabriella Borgos, and Zachary Salzano; a sister Eleanor Salzano of Sebastian, Florida, and 2 beloved pets, Lexi and Katie.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Andrew, Anthony and Julius; 3 sisters Philomena, Marie and Yolanda.

The family wishes to thank the doctors for their exceptional care, especially Drs. Joseph Cervone, Karel Raska, Luigi Bonamini, and Lisette Casagrande, and the entire staff in the dialysis unit at Mountainside. He will be hard to forget.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Ralph Salzano, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Recently Shared Condolences
Recently Lit Memorial Candles
Recently Shared Stories
Recently Shared Photos