grave import

Obituary

Michael Salino, 86, of Burlington, Iowa, died Sunday, October 3, 2010, at Great River Hospice House in West Burlington. Born August 6, 1924, in New York City, Michael was the youngest of six children. He spent his childhood and early adult years in Brooklyn, New York. Even though Mike was only 4 years old when his father died, he had a happy childhood supported by the love of a large extended Italian family. After graduating from High School in 1941, Michael took a job with the U.S. Government. He worked at the New York Naval Shipyard as a Shipfitter's Helper on the construction of the USS Battleship Missouri. Michael enlisted in the U.S. Army in June of 1943. He was trained as a Medical Technician at O'Reilley General Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. In November 1944, Michael was deployed to Central Europe, where he served as a medic in WWII with the 116th Medical Evacuation Hospital on the battlefields of France and Germany. On May 2, 1945, Michael's Medical Hospital was the first to arrive at Dachau Concentration Camp to set up operations for treating the sick prisoners after liberation by American troops. Michael returned to New York in March of 1946, and began employment with Sinclair Petrochemical Company. He reenlisted during the Korean War, and returned to Germany from 1950 to 1954. He was stationed at the 320th General Army Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany, where he met the love of his life, a young German woman named Lydia Forster, who was working as a translator for the U.S. Army. They were married July 14, 1954, in Erbach, Germany. After returning to Brooklyn, New York with his bride, Michael resumed his job with Sinclair. In 1972 Michael and his family moved to Burlington, Iowa, where he took the position of Treasury Manager for First Mississippi, Inc. (a subsidiary of Sinclair). Michael retired from the military on August 6, 1965, with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2. He retired from his job in 1976 after 30 years of service with the same company. Michael and Lydia were the kind of couple who gladly shared their love and good fortune with others, whether it meant taking care of their elderly neighbor, inviting lonely people into their home on the holidays, or giving a friend their used car to provide transportation to work every day. After retirement, Michael devoted his time to caring for his immediate family. He helped baby sit grandchildren from infancy, often accompanied them on field trips, and attended all their sporting events, recitals, and concerts. Later in his life, Michael lovingly cared for his wife, Lydia, during her illness. After Lydia's death on December 9, 2008, Mike's own health took a steep decline. Michael enjoyed bowling and gardening. He loved all animals. He enjoyed making people laugh. He was an excellent dancer. Michael was a true gentleman and a kind spirit. His greatest attribute was loyalty. He was an unpretentious and humble man who will be remembered as a quiet hero by his family and friends. Those left to cherish Michael's memory include one daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Martin Salino-Hugg of Burlington; one granddaughter, Anna Salino-Hugg of Iowa City; one grandson, Michael Salino-Hugg of Iowa City; one sister, Virginia Alfieri of Delaware; and many nieces and nephews. Michael and his family will forever be grateful to Linda Schrock. Hired as Michael's personal caregiver, Linda soon became Mike's best friend and advocate, as well as a great friend to his immediate family. Memorial services for Michael Salino will be held on Friday, October 15, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Prugh's Chapel. Fr. Anthony Herold will officiate. Interment of ashes will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. There will be no formal visitation. Cremation has been accorded. Memorials have been established for Great River Hospice House and the Disabled American Veterans Organization.