Joseph A. Salerno, 94, formerly of Niles, died at 10:40pm Monday November 17, 2014 at Vista Center at The Ridge.

He was born February 8, 1920 in Niles the son of Anthony and Theresa Ambrose Salerno.

Joe was a 1940 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, where he was an usher and he also enjoyed gardening.

Joe was a staple at Café 422 in Warren as a bartender for over 40 years, where he was the originator of their famous hot peppers and oil. He retired in 1983.

He will be deeply missed by his sister-in-law Loretta Salerno, several nieces and nephews, Frank Cannell and his wife Patricia, Dennis Salerno and his wife Patricia , Celeste Falter and her husband Randy, Robert Salerno and his wife Kathleen, Gwen Vennetti(Michael DeMathews), Gerri Fleming and her husband Dan, Theresa Carr and her husband John, William Vennetti and his wife Barb, and several great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by two brothers, Morris and Frank Salerno, and three sisters, Mary Cannell, Carmel Vennetti, and Rose Butto.

Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 7PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where The Mount Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1PM Friday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles preceded by a 12:30PM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.