Robert Salino

Robert Salino of 2631 Rt. 79, Trumansburg passed away on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the age of 88.

Born on March 16, 1924 in Ithaca, Robert was the son of Vincent and Ida Bernabei Salino. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force on August 8, 1942 and was proud to have served in the 320th Squadron of the Fifth Air Force’s 90th Bomb Group known as the "Jolly Rogers". Robert was an Aerial Engineer and Top Turret Gunner in a B24-J Liberator. His squadron was actively involved in the Pacific theater and was stationed in the Philippines, on the island of Luzon. Robert and his crewmembers flew many successful missions, including one which ended with the crew abandoning the aircraft over water at night. Following his Honorable Discharge on November 27, 1945, Robert and a partner went into business owning an automotive repair shop in Danby. He was later employed by Cayuga Motors in Ithaca and finally accepted a position with Cornell University from which he retired in 1986, after 21 years. Robert met his future wife, Carol, during an extended stay in the hospital after a motorcycle accident. She was one of the nurses that tended him and really caught his eye, because he looked her up after he was released, they married in 1951 and together, raised four boys in Trumansburg. He was a member of VFW Post #961 in Ithaca, participated in some occasional hunting and fishing and became very active in Boy Scouts. His four sons, all Eagle Scouts, are grateful for the support and guidance Robert gave them through their years of scouting. He was a devoted family man who cherished any activity involving family, especially Sunday dinners. The presence of this thoughtful, loving Patriarch will be sorely missed.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Luciano Lama. He is survived by Carol, his devoted wife of 61 years; four sons, Marc (Cathy) and Peter (Karen) of Trumansburg, Matt of Central Valley and Scott (Kim) of Trumansburg; six grandchildren, Anthony, Ryan, Stephen, Craig, Alex and Madeline and three great-grandchildren, Anthony, Brayden and Rylee; his sister, Gloria Lama of Ithaca, one cousin, a niece and two nephews.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Beechtree Care Center for their care and kindness shown to Robert.

The family will be present to receive friends from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. A Graveside Service, with a Military Honors Tribute, will begin at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 28th at the Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 6632 Rt. 96A, Romulus with the Rev. Steve DeWalt officiating.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Robert’s memory are asked to kindly consider Baden Powell Council BSA, 2150 NYS Rte 12, Binghamton, NY 1390, Beechtree Care Center 318 South Albany Street, Ithaca NY 14850, or Alzheimer's Association of Central New York, 441 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204.

For additional information please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446 or www.ness-sibley.com