It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our “Nano”, Joseph Anthony Saladino, on December 9, 2025, at the age of 87. A cherished father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, Joe’s sparkly eyes, little smile and chuckle brought joy to so many. 

Born into a family of twelve children, Joe loved sharing childhood stories that brought laughter and amazement to all who listened. In the last few months, Joe enjoyed spending time with his remaining siblings, Gaspar (Connie), Nick (Louise) and Carmela Styf and several nieces and nephews; listening to Nick play the accordion, making sausage and subs, and reminiscing about the good old days. 

Joe attended South High School and after graduation, joined the Navy. He served on three different ships over four years, and despite his efforts to be a good soldier, the Navy encouraged him that civilian life was the way to go and it was best he never shot a gun again! 

He met Margot Luce at a sing a long and a few short months later, they were married! They were blessed with Tom (Lisa), Mike (Katie), Lorna (Joe Hullinger), and Bob (Tracie Swoveland). He and Margot became “Nano and Nana” to their grandchildren— Joey (Hillary), Anthony, Vince (Darcy), Niko, Drake (Melanie), Dominic, Angela, Hannah (Tyler), Gabriella (Braden), Kendall (Jacob) and Nina—and to a beautiful great-granddaughter, Maeve. Nano was looking forward to the arrival of another great-granddaughter in May. 

A dedicated parishioner at St. Mary Magdalen, Joe ushered every Sunday at 11a.m. He and Margot spent many of their early years coordinating and performing in the church variety shows with so many great friends. 

Joe owned Little Joe’s Pizza in his early years, later worked for Meijer and enjoyed the grocery business for some time. After a short move to Arizona, he returned to Kentwood and retired from Steelcase with 22 years of perfect attendance. 

Joe loved when we had the family place at Sandy Pines, loved Notre Dame football, waxing his car, cookies, working in the yard, growing flowers, a good pair of New Balance tennis shoes, laughing at cards in the Hallmark Store, making sides, going to breakfast, cinnamon bears, washing pots and pans with Comet, playing Santa on Christmas Day, donating blood, sitting in the sun working on his tan and​ most of all spending time with his family. 

A visitation will be held Monday, December 15, from 5-8p.m. at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St., Grand Rapids. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 16, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1253 52^nd Street, SE, Kentwood. The family will greet friends and family one hour before mass. 

We are so grateful for the loving care Joe received at Legacies Assisted Living in Caledonia in his final months. The staff and residents made our experience incredible, and we know they will miss their sassy Italian Stallion, too. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Faith Hospice for the care they provided. He was in good hands. 

Go enjoy a glass of Red Rosie Nano! You should find those Pearly Gates just past the old Eberhard’s! Contributions in memory of Joe may be made to Legacies Assisted Living in Caledonia.