Jeanne Salerno

Jeanne Salerno

Jeanne Salerno of Sag Harbor died on January 14 at her home surrounded by family. She was 62.

Born to Irene and Fred Wezel of the Bronx, she was known for her love and commitment 
to learning, which always brought her to the top of her classes at Our Lady of Solace and Preston High School, both in the Bronx, and Niagara University School of Nursing, which she attended on a full Regents scholarship. Later she earned a master’s degree in clinical nursing from Adelphi University, graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.

She was a respected nurse educator, survivors said, most recently serving as director of education at both Westhampton Care Center and at the Hampton Center for Rehabilation and Nursing in Southampton. Before that she held that position for a number of years at Southampton Hospital, where she also served as head of quality improvement. She was an adjunct professor of nursing at Suffolk Community College and, in the early 1970s, was named the youngest-ever head floor nurse at Einstein Hospital in the Bronx. She also explored psychotherapy, becoming a licensed therapist through the Augusta Webb Institute. Survivors said that inspiring and supporting new nurses was dear to her heart.

Ms. Salerno also loved being a parishioner at St. Andrew’s Church where she was a lector, served on the Parish Council, developed the Consolation Ministry and led a Renew 2000 community prayer group.

According to family, Ms. Salerno’s journey through life was marked by extraordinary compassion, optimism, and humor, which brought her lifelong friends. Family said that she devoted her life to her relationships with others and leaves a legacy of kindness and compassion to all whose lives she touched.

Predeceased by her parents, she is survived by her husband of almost 40 years, Frank Salerno of Sag Harbor; two daughters, Nancy Hallock and Amy Salerno, both of Sag Harbor; a son, Anthony Salerno of Connecticut; three sisters, Joan, Janet and Jane Wezel; and four granddaughters Carolyn, Emily, Abby and Lizzie Hallock.

Visitation was held on January 16 and 17 at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor. A funeral mass was held on January 18 at St. Andrew’s Church in Sag Harbor.