Obituary of Gerald Salemi

SALEMI, Gerald R. of Mahwah died Friday, November 9, 2012 at the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Beloved husband of Maxine,cherished father of Debra Koesel and Victoria Salemi. Also survived by precious grandson Cameron. He was predeceased by his parents Stella and Salvatore Salemi and his three sisters Rose Salemi, Catherine Salemi and Lucy Antonelli. His life revolved around his passion for his family first and foremost, photography, Latin music, travel and Sicilian culture. He grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. and served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from St. John's University and studied photography at Winona School of Indiana and became an aficionado in photography. He received certification from NYU and the New School. He lived in Mahwah for 33 years and worked for IBM for 25 years, first as an accountant, then in the education department and then as chief photographer in the communications department. He was a member of the Ridgewood Camera Club, Professional Photographers of America and Church of the Presentation. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 13 from 7 - 9 p.m., Wednesday from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. at Vander Plaat Funeral Home (www.vpfh.com), 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff. Funeral mass will be held Thursday 10 a.m. at Church of the Presentation at 271 West Saddle River Road, Upper Saddle River, then entombment in St. John's Cemetery, Middle Village, N.Y. Donations in Gerry's name may be sent to the American Heart Association (P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005) or Church of the Presentation or charity of your choice.