William Michael Salandi

Born in Hackettstown, NJ to Dr. John (Jack) and Rose Salandi. Youngest of 3 boys. Older brothers, Bob and Jay proceeded Bill in passing. Bill spent summer days exploring or fishing local streams with best buddy, Joe Slachetka. He worked at the M&M factory testing new candies during summer breaks, a dream job for many of us. He was known to peek in...more

Monmouth College, now University, on the Jersey Shore opened a grand adventure for young Bill. He was part of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, honored with membership into the Hard Core social group. Think about the Animal House characters, not sure which he’d choose but I can imagine a few that would fit the profile for ol’ Billy.

Bill married his college sweetheart, Jeanie Liverakos, instantly becoming a lifelong Greek family member. Such celebration was had by their families.

Their trip to Athens, to attend sister Maria’s wedding, ended with tragedy which caused much pain to his body, heart and soul. Bill found comfort around Yia Yia and the Greek family, the love given a lifesaver for a heartbroken Bill. Forever grateful to his Binsenaki, Tiki, and Binsenaksa, Maria and of course Yia Yia.

Trying to pick up the pieces, Bill moved west to see his brother, Bob, who lived in Montana. This move provided new opportunities even though pain continued from his recent past.

He found new love and created a life with Vicki Minnick, living in California, Utah and Montana. They traveled the west coast National Parks together, amoungst other adventures. Gregory Michael Salandi was born, Bill was a proud Papa!

It was around this time Bill began working for Wells Lamont in textiles and apparel particularly gloves. He created Leather 101, an immersive presentation about what it takes to produce the textiles used in his business. This carried on through the decades.

Painfully those happy times didn’t last forever, Greg and Bill were on their own for a time...

...until Bill meets Jane Walton. She chased Bill across many states and locations. A working man who had to travel, he finally wanted to settle his household. Jane was a constant for Bill and Greg, (they couldn’t get rid of her).

After time came marriage and a baby girl, Suzanne Marie Salandi, the first girl in the Salandi family.

Company promotions and a growing family brought them from Montana to Utah to Oklahoma to Illinois.

Bill had always dreamed of moving to Florida for retirement, so possessions were purged and an U-Haul was summoned. Bill led us south, landing on Venice Island on the Gulf of Mexico and the Intercoastal Waterway. During the last few years of his career, Bill worked for Boss Manufacturing, where he continued his reign as glove-god.

' Venice Annual Christmas Parade!' My first time experiencing this popular, festive, event was at the invitation of Bill and Janie in November 2004, my first year Florida. The 'seasoned' Salandi's had their 'spot' all staked out with chairs, beads to throw and coffee for some 'warmth.' Yes, it was so cold, I couldn't understand how this could be...more

Not everyone was thrilled, Suzanne did not find the charm in old retired folks. None the less, she finished high school in 2002 and college in 2007, both near the Florida home. Greg had settled in Seattle, Suzanne followed after college graduation. Sadly, away as far as possible from Florida...

Bill and Jane knew the need to be closer to ‘the kids’ as they started their own families. Eunhee and Greg delighted Bill with Grandson Eli. Suz and David melted Bill’s heart with (another Salandi girl), Raegan. Bill and Jane knew they needed to be in the Pacific Northwest with their kids and grands. Bill flew into Seattle one last time, the final...more

His health declined more than the family hoped, none the less, he was with Jane, friends and family as much as possible. It’s a fact that he was with close family and had great care and Love. Life was hard at the end but the deluge of his grandkids running around and sharing their excitement of toys and treasures provided a quality of life that mos...more

Bill passed in his sleep, comfortably with Jane by his side.

Consummate salesman and people person. He always asked “how are you doing today?” Except, unlike so many of us, his smile and inquisition was genuine. Lover of humor, he would follow up with a joke or two.

Humor allowed him to always stay positive. Some times to a fault. Many times it taught our family to look at the bright side of life and try not to dwell on the bad. Even now we are using his positive outlook to appreciate the good times and memories we shared with our rock of family importance.

His relationship with his kids was certainly strained from time to time, like any parent, but we always came back to the comfort of our unit and closeness that most don’t see every day. "Family is most important and we need to support each other no matter the circumstances," Bill would often say.

Bill only had positive to say about friends and you were one of them. Happiest times were spent on a boat, fishing and laughing with buddies. And of course his annual Christmas Lobster Feeds [to be carried out by his kids, annually and in perpetuity...so get invited or invite yourself!]

His positive light will surely be missed and it makes us feel the need to modify our own ways and demeanor to closer match his. We are not always as happy or positive as could be, while trying to lift up those around us, no matter what. Bill was always asking sincerely how “you” were doing, even if he wasn’t doing as good. And that is important and...more

Memorials Gifts can be made to The Salvation Army or the charity of your choice.

Yesterday I was reminded and am thankful of the many traditions and even the ways of my old man. We laughed, we cried. Traditions - like our typical Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts. Or the protocols of the season instilled by Dad = tree and decorations goes up ASAP around Thanksgiving. Must have stuffing. Order those lobsters for Christmas. Ways ...more