Obituary: James “Jimmy” Salatto, 73, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of the family:

James “Jimmy” Salatto of Branford, CT entered into his eternal rest peacefully with Frank Sinatra playing in the background on February 1, 2024 at Yale-New Haven Hospital with his loving family and friends by his side. Jimmy was born in New Haven, CT on June 29, 1950. He was the third of five sons born to the late Joseph and Gloria Salatto. Jimmy attended St. Francis School, Wilbur Cross High School and Quinnipiac College for accounting. He was the brother of the late Thomas Salatto, Robert Salatto and Joseph L. Salatto. Jimmy is survived by his brother Paul Salatto of Branford, cherished nephew and godson Nicholas Salatto (Alessandra) and loving niece Maria Salatto Gilhuly (Joseph). Jimmy is also survived by many other wonderful nephews and nieces. In addition to nephews and nieces, he leaves behind his two most loyal and trusted friends Albert Yavarone of Naples, Florida as well as Beverly Simeone. Jimmy leaves behind his cherished companion, Frank the Pug.

Jimmy worked at his father’s gas station “Sunoco” along with his brothers. As a family they started, owned and operated the Connecticut franchises of Budget Rent A Car and Budget Car Sales. Jimmy and his brother Joseph formed a partnership, Salatto Real Estate, which purchased, operated and developed properties in New Haven, Madison, Hartford, Branford, Fairfield and Bridgeport. Together they had the vision, passion and foresight to develop and build the New Haven Community. They were proud owners of 129 Church Street (JMJ Services, Inc.) in New Haven and several other entities downtown.

A business owner, developer, he was very involved civically as a member of myriad organizations and founded the Salatto Charitable Foundation.

Jimmy lived for generosity. He had the warmth and the humanity which made him special with everyone from every walk of life. His generosity extended to many organizations. Specifically, Amity Club, Melebus Club, Italian American Club, Donate Life for Connecticut, New Haven Alliance as well as many other New Haven Organizations. Jimmy was carried through life in his faith and his love for God. Jimmy was a transplant recipient who was the sole contributor to the James A. Salatto Transplantation Center at Yale New Haven Hospital. He was the founder of the Salatto Charitable Foundation which included many donations to organizations throughout Connecticut. He was the most sensitive and giving person that walked this Earth and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We will always carry his memory in our heart. "Much love"

Visiting hours will be Tuesday February 6, 2024, from 4-7pm in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. 11 Wooster Place, New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. John Bosco Parish-St. Mary Church, 731 Main Street, Branford Wednesday at 10am. Please go directly to Church. Burial will be privately held. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.