Joseph "Joe" Salci

Joseph “the Champ” Salci of Pittston passed away peacefully May 15 at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital after a long illness.

He was born December 3, 1936 in San Severo, Italy, the son of the late Salvatore and Josephine (DePasquale) Salci.

At the young age of thirteen, Joe proudly became a US citizen. He graduated from the former Ashley High School, and joined the US Army at age eighteen.

His amateur boxing career started at age 15, trained by Joe Rodano and Buddy Rush. He continued his passion for boxing with the US Army Boxing Team. In 1957, he won the Golden Gloves in the states of Georgia, South Caroline, and Florida. He went to the National Golden Gloves representing Florida. He competed 75 bouts worldwide, winning 72 and losing only 3.

After being discharged from the Army in 1958, he continued boxing professionally throughout the United States and Europe earning him 45 wins and 5 losses.

In this time frame, he had the honor to fight the #7 contender in the world, Stephen Radell, with Rocky Marciano refereeing the bout.

After boxing 5 years as an amateur, and 10 years professionally, Joe began a refereeing career which lasted almost 25 years. He had the opportunity to referee for Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, and many other champions.

In 2009, Joe was inducted in the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame.

Professionally, Joe worked as a union construction laborer and as a concrete mason and bartender. Additionally, he was a courier for Hourigan, Kluger, and Quinn.

In 1995, with a history of construction in his blood, Joe with his son, Salvatore, formed a construction company of their own, Salci Enterprises, where he worked until age 83.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Concetta (Pinto) Salci, Pittston; his daughter, Dina Snarski (Edward), Wilkes-Barre; and his son, Salvatore (Sandra), Wilkes-Barre; along with his three grandchildren, Paul Snarski, Giuseppe “Joe” Salci and Isabella Salci. His sister Gina Salci Thomas preceded him in death.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Joe’s physicians S. Desai and R. Blum and their staff Stacy and Heather for the exceptional care they bestowed upon him over the years. We would also like to thank the many caregivers who worked the last few years taking care of Joe at home treating him with grace and respect.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, 465 S. Main St, Wilkes-Barre.

A Blessing Service, officiated by Msgr. Sempa will be held on Friday at 9:30 AM. Calling hours will be from 9:00 AM until time of service.

Interment will be at St. Rocco’s Cemetery, Pittson.

Joe lived life to the fullest, and enjoyed life-long friendships with people from many circles of friends.