Virginia Salerno

Virginia M. (Leroy) Salerno, 95, of Shrewsbury, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at UMass Hospital.  Virginia was predeceased by the love of her life, Leonard A. Salerno, to whom she was married for sixty-five years, before he died in November 2017. 

Virginia endured several losses that no parent should experience when she was predeceased by a son, Gary J. Salerno in January 2018, a daughter, Merilyn A. Miller in February 2021, and by a grandson, Wayne Kallio in March 2020.

Virginia is survived by a son, Leonard L. Salerno and his wife Debra of New Braunfels, TX; a daughter, Karen J. Kelsey and her husband Steven of Shrewsbury; a daughter in law, Jane Salerno of Shrewsbury; a son in law, Phillip Miller of Worcester; four grandchildren, Matthew Kallio, David Miller, Allen and Ann Salerno; four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.  Virginia was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Chester E. and Emma (Orgard) Leroy.  She graduated from Shrewsbury High School.

Virginia worked for over thirty years as an x-ray technician at Memorial Hospital, before retiring.  She later worked with her husband and their family business, Leroy and Co., a scrap metal dealer in Worcester, where she was treasurer and paymaster.  Virginia loved her family and shared her good fortune with others, including Camp Putnam and The Worcester Animal Rescue League.

Virginia loved spending time at the ocean.  She and Len loved traveling and had the opportunity to visit many countries; but Maine held a special place in their hearts.  She was a talented pianist, enjoyed ballroom dancing, gardening, needle point, and knitting.

Services for Virginia are being help privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or by visiting www.worcesterarl.org.