Deacon James “Tony” Salamone, who served St. Agnes Church in Mena for 14 years, died March 31 in Hot Springs. He was 80.
He was born Jan. 4, 1943, in Chicago to the late Frank Salamone and Antonina Miosi. He served four years in the Navy from 1962 to 1966. He then worked as a computer programmer until his retirement.
In May 1985 he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Chicago. In this role, he preached, visited patients in hospitals and nursing homes, ministered to those experiencing divorce and assisted at church liturgies. He said his greatest joy was working with Life Teen. In 1991 he and his family relocated to Phoenix where he continued his diaconal ministry. In 2009, retirement and family brought Salamone and his wife to Mena where they rejoiced in living close to their daughter and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta Salamone; two sons, Anthony Salamone and Daniel Kast; two daughters, Tracy Carpenter and Elizabeth Mattucks; one sister, Marcy Vitchus; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services were scheduled for April 12 at St. Agnes Church in Mena. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Mena.