Christine A. "Tina" (Genova) Salerno

Christine Ann Salerno (“Tina”) passed away at home on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at age 91, while surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Michael C. Salerno who died in 2002.

The former Christine Ann Genova was born to the late Joseph and Margaret Slair Genova on February 6, 1933. She graduated from West Scranton High School in 1950, then worked as a waitress at Scranton Dry Goods Tea Room. She married her beloved husband Michael Carmen Salerno “Mike” (1927-2002) in 1953.

Tina was prolific in the Scranton community, volunteering for local and national political campaigns as well as Telespond Senior Services. She and her husband also volunteered at St. Ann’s Novena food concession for many years.  She had a passion for history and geography, as well as black-and-white classic films, including 1950’s Sci-Fi that she thought were silly and funny.  She was an avid sports fan, following local and professional football, especially her favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. She also enjoyed watching tennis, cycling, and both summer and winter Olympic games.

A traditional Italian cook, although talented with all types of dishes, gnocchi, ravioli, and lasagna were her favorites, but overall, she also championed nutrition and healthy eating long before its popularity. Tina always prepared Sunday dinners from scratch for her family and welcomed anyone to the table. She shared an affinity with her husband Mike for baking wonderful desserts including her anise cookies, and her chocolate Christmas cookies that everyone wanted her to bake all year round.  Always modern, though was able to drive a standard shift car if needed, she was forward thinking in style and outlook. Although she came of age in the Sinatra and Elvis eras, she also became a fan of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen. Her wit and humor brought joy to all who knew her. She put her family’s welfare first and never shied away from “rolling up her sleeves” and pitching in on any project, or giving sage advice, able to see clearly through any problem, always reminding us to enjoy and make the best of every day.  She was a fixture at her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, concerts, music and dance shows, and graduations, and enjoyed many family vacations, cookouts, and picnics. She was a gentle, caring wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by three sons, David and wife Teresa, Peter and wife Nancy, and Michael and wife Anne, all of Scranton; and three granddaughters: Giovanna and partner Jose Gonzalez (New York, NY), Maria and husband Michael McMurdo (Windemere, FL), and Anna (Scranton) as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all her wonderful caregivers - she called them “her girls” as they were more like friends who all agreed that she was such a sweetheart.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday at 10AM in Saint Ann Basilica in Scranton. Interment at Cathedral Cemetery to follow. Friends may call on Friday morning from 8:30AM to 9:30AM at Savino Traditional Funerals & Cremation Care, 157 South Main Avenue in West Scranton.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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