Richard J. Saletta, 70, died unexpectedly on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo. He was born on July 3, 1946 in Silver Creek, the son of the late Anthony Sr. and Angela (Gizzi) Saletta.
Rich graduated from Silver Creek Central School, Class of 1964. He married his high school sweetheart on August 12, 1967 at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church in Forestville. He has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Jamestown Community College. He earned his bachelor's degree in law and justice from SUNY Fredonia and a master's degree in education from Buffalo State College. He maintained a 4.0 average while obtaining his master's degree. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Rich was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged after serving for four years during the Vietnam War. Rich is a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and of the Silver Creek VFW, and a member of the New York State Magistrates Association. In 1996, he was named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" list. He served as a member of the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department and retired as a sergeant after 20 years on the job. Prior to that, he was a patrolman with the Village of Silver Creek Police Department. He also worked as a private investigator for Peter M. Vito & Associates. Most recently, he was serving as a judge in the Town of Hanover and Silver Creek.
In his free time, he was a longtime hockey coach, which included SUNY Fredonia, NCCYHA, and District 5 Hockey Organizations. He also was accomplished marksman, having won many awards for his shooting proficiency. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends.
Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Anita (Tabak) Saletta; a son, Michael (Sarah Anderson) Saletta of Amherst; a daughter, Jennifer (James Jaffray) Saletta of Monroe, GA; a granddaughter, Mandelina Jaffray; two grandsons, Dakota Burkett and Noah Anderson; and he was also survived by several nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Anthony Saletta, Jr.
Relatives and friends may call at the Hole-Parker Funeral Chapel, 160 Central Ave., Silver Creek on Thursday, March 23 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel R.C. Church in Silver Creek. Fr. Daniel Fiebelkorn will officiate. Burial will be in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Rich's memory may be made to the Silver Creek Emergency Squad, 162 Central Ave., Silver Creek, NY 14136.
To share a remembrance or condolence with the family, go to www.holeparkerfc.com.
By the Observer
