Salvatore Salzarulo of Lioni Latticini Passes Away

It is with a heavy heart that we relay the news that Salvatore Salzarulo, Co-Founder of Lioni Latticini, has passed away.

Salzarulo was born in Lioni, Italy, on March 26, 1949, the son of Giovanni and Giovanna Salzarulo. Here he grew up, joining his father in the family business of bread making before serving with distinction in the Italian military. As a teenager, he met his wife Michelina and was married in 1974. In 1980, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York to obtain better medical care for their youngest daughter. Following the birth of his son Giovanni, the family relocated once more to Staten Island, New York.

The Italian food icon co-founded Lioni Latticini with his uncle Giuseppe, beginning the tradition of the Latiicini business in the U.S. With dedication and hard work, Salzarulo mastered the art and skill of mozzarella making. Over the past three decades, the family has transformed their small neighborhood family business into a nationally renowned manufacturer and distributor of fresh mozzarella products.

Salzarulo was a long-time member of the Specialty Food Association and was recently inducted into the SFA Hall of Fame. He was also a long-standing member and supporter of the American Cheese Society.

When he was not at the Lioni plant, Salzarulo’s greatest joys were spending time with his family and friends, especially Sunday dinners with his children and grandchildren, weekend evening gatherings with his close friends, his regular Saturday afternoon get-togethers in his Brooklyn store, traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren to visit his family in Italy, and finally, watching his favorite football team, the New York Jets.

As an obituary read, Salvatore will always be remembered as a political enthusiast, passionate soccer follower, health optimist, and a self-educated, well-read gentleman. He left an indelible mark on all who knew him, he was a true visionary, and an honorable leader with integrity, valor, respect, and compassion.

The industry icon leaves behind his daughter, Teresa Conforte, her husband Andrew, and their children, Andrew, Jr. and Michela; his daughter Giovanna Miller, her husband Jeremy, and their children, Lucas and Matteo; and his son, Giovanni Salzarulo. He was also loved by many, including his cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, and employees.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Cooley's Anemia Foundation, Staten Island Chapter, 47 Josephine Street, Staten Island, NY 10314, Attn: Cammie Brandofino.

Our hearts are with all whose lives were touched by this passionate leader.