Elvira Salese, age 88, formerly of Commack, NY, beloved wife of Albert Salese, entered into eternal life on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. Born and raised in New York City, Vera had spent most of her life in Commack before moving to Fairfield nine years ago. During WWII, Vera had helped the war effort as a welder in Port Jarvis, NJ, and later worked as a senior clerk for the Suffolk County Planning Commission until her retirement. 

In her youth Vera helped to raise her nine brothers and sisters and Vera and Albert’s home became a favorite gathering spot with her brothers and sisters for many years. She was also an excellent card player and especially enjoyed her trips to Atlantic City. 

In addition to Albert, her devoted husband of over 66 years, survivors include her son, Anthony Salese and his wife Deana of Fairfield, grandchildren Patricia Gruner, Allison Caffarone and her husband Christopher and Nicholas, Brendan and Ryan Salese and great-grandchildren, Christopher and Anabella Caffarone. She leaves behind her brothers John Navas of Chandler, AZ and Arthur Navas of Lindenhurst, NY, a sister Ann Carol Ging of Miller Place, NY as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Joanne Gruner and brothers Raymond, Peter, Charles, Pasquale, Roger and Joseph. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11am DIRECTLY at Christ the King Church, 2 Indian Head Rd., Commack, NY with burial to follow in Commack Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-9pm in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Preplanning and Cremation Services, 1209 Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinsons Disease Foundation, 27 Allendale Dr., North Haven, CT 06473. To sign an online register, purchase flowers or to get travel directions, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome