Eugene F. Saladna

Eugene F. Saladna, 83, of Belle Vernon, Rostraver Twp., passed away Wednesday, July 17, 2019 peacefully at his home surrounded by his family.  Born September 20, 1935 in Millsboro, PA, he was the son of the late Frank Saladna and Mary Trun Saladna Bartko.  Mr. Saladna grew up in Fredericktown before moving to Belle Vernon. Gene was a graduate of Penn State University and Carnegie Tech, and a retired mechanical engineer for Westinghouse.  He was a member of St. Sebastian R.C. Church where he previously served on the parish council, was a church lector and usher.

He was a veteran having served in the US Army.  Gene was a member of Belle Vernon Knights of Columbus Council 3026, the Charleroi Elks, and the Lions Club. Gene was an avid Penn State Football fan, a lifelong member of the Penn State Alumni Association and Theta Kappa Phi fraternity. Gene also served on the former Mon Valley Catholic High School Board and was a member of Mon Valley Country Club.

He is survived by his wife Antoinette E. ‘Toni’ Steinberg Saladna to whom he would have been married for 60 years in November; four children: Gloria Gene 'Gigi' Saladna, Mary Saladna Shipman, Antoinette J. Saladna, Eugene A. Saladna; sons-in-law Edward Shipman and James Grossman;  sister & brother-in-law Barbara & William Madison; sister-in-law Gloria Tracey; grandson Samuel Eugene Shipman; pet cat Nittany, and many beloved nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by his stepfather John Bartko.
Gene was devoted to his family. He adored his wife Toni and he took the most pride and pleasure in watching his children grow up. They spent many summers together as a family walking the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ, and many autumn weekends cheering on the Nittany Lions.  Gene loved Penn State Football.  He enjoyed golf, nature, and music. He also loved catching up with his innumerable friends in the community. In recent years, he could often be found reading the newspaper, watching Pirates baseball, or sitting on the side porch of the home that he loved.

Visitation will be held Sunday from 2-6 pm at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon, 724-929-6183.  Prayers of transfer will be held Monday at 9:30 am in the funeral home followed by funeral mass at 10 am at St. Sebastian R.C. Church with the Rev. Michael J. Crookston as celebrant. Interment will take place in Belle Vernon Cemetery. Members of St. Sebastian Parish will pray the rosary for the departed soul of Eugene F. Saladna on Sunday at 3 pm in the funeral home.