In Memoriam: Frank Salerno, 93

Country/Regional Manager for Chase Manhattan in Europe, Asia 

 

Frank Emil Salerno, who led Chase Manhattan's activities in Europe, Asia and Toronto, died at his long-time home in Bronxville, NY, on April 3, 2024. He was 93.  
 
Born in New Rochelle, NY, Salerno came of age during the Great Depression and World War II. A first-generation, first-born son of Ellis Island immigrant parents from Italy, he acquired his work ethic early by observing his father – an entrepreneurial master carpenter who held U.S. Air Force commissions. During his youth, Frank Salerno worked as a golf caddie, soda jerk, newspaper delivery boy and house painter. His mother instilled a devotion to family and faith, and cultivated his life-long epicurean taste. Graduating at the top of his high school class, Salerno was admitted to Columbia University, enlisting in Navy ROTC which awarded a full scholarship, and joined the Navy ROTC Governing Board.
 
At Columbia, Salerno rowed crew, marched in the band and served as the Sigma Chi fraternity’s social director.  After Columbia graduation in 1952, he served as a Lieutenant JG on the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Brownson. Deployed during the Korean War, Salerno faced harrowing combat, yet the Navy also inspired profound patriotism and afforded him the opportunity to circumnavigate the globe.
 
In 1955 Salerno joined The Chase Manhattan Bank Training Program and pursued an MBA at Columbia. He and Irene Paula von Jelen soon married and moved to Rome, where Salerno led Chase Italy. He was then appointed to direct Chase Europe from Milan, where, having been instrumental in designing its iconic building in Piazza Meda, he inaugurated the Milanese branch. Ahead of his time, Salerno created a program offering employment opportunities for promising graduates from the south of Italy. In recognition of this and other services to the Government of Italy, Salerno was appointed a Cavaliere della Repubblica.

 

Following seven years in Milan, the family moved to Tokyo, where Salerno led Chase Asia for three years. After an additional Chase assignment in Toronto, Salerno was seconded by Chase in 1985 to develop Pfizer International Bank, leading to relocations to Puerto Rico and Ireland as the bank's president and CEO. Then, after working abroad for nearly three decades, the Salernos returned to live in Bronxville.
 
"His exceptional intelligence, integrity, determination and adventurous spirit created a life of extraordinary personal and professional achievement that spanned the globe," reminisced his daughter Monica Corsi. "With their spirit of adventure, my parents respectfully navigated the cultures where they lived, and traveled far beyond those borders throughout the world. They hosted scores of dignitaries, diplomats, artists, and religious and business leaders. ’My father's charisma, wit, and kind heart made him excellent company and allowed him to keep friendships despite many global relocations."
 
In recognition of the many opportunities he had enjoyed, Salerno was a generous benefactor of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Archdiocese of New York, The Bronxville Library, The American Academy in Rome, The American Academy in Berlin, The Ellis Island Foundation and local organizations.
 
Salerno was predeceased in 2023 by his wife of 66 years, Irene. Survivors include two daughters, a son and two grandchildren. 
 
Gifts may be made in his name to the Church of Saint Ignatius Loyola of New York City, where a private family Funeral Mass was celebrated on April 29, 2024.

 

 

 
 Remembrances
 
Please send remembrances to
news@chasealum.org
 
From Joe McGinity: He was a gracious international banker and a good boss, with a great sense of humor.
 
From Rajesh Singh: I worked for Frank when he was country manager in Canada. A wonderful human being. May god give peace and harmony to his soul. My deepest condolences to his family.
 
From Bill Flanz: I worked for Frank during the tail-end of my time in Japan, before I took up my Middle East assignment. Frank replaced Cush May as Far East Region Manager in about 1975. As Frank’s daughter, Monica, suggested, Frank had a playful sense of humor and a very kind heart. His enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious. While Frank will be missed, it is wonderful that he lived such a long, interesting and fulfilled life.
 
From Gino Verza: Frank Salerno was a gentle soul, a  sincere human being and a capable banker. I met Frank in 1970. After finishing the Global Credit Training program in New York, I was ready to take on a real-life assignment and expressed interest in Chase-Italy. Frank, head of Chase Italy, wanted to see me. He happened to be convalescing in a hospital in New York.
     Frank was kind, welcoming and good hearted from the first time we met. This continued throughout my entire assignment in Chase-Milan and then Chase-Rome. 
     Frank took a personal interest in this young member of the Italian team when he did not need to do so. I will not forget the opportunity to participate as a guest for dinner and to meet Frank’s wife and children at their home during one of the holidays in Milan. They opened their arms and made this bachelor feel the warmth of home.
     So many years have passed but the memory of Frank, as a trustworthy human with an honorable character and reliable disposition remains vibrant and alive. 
     I give my condolences to Frank’s family, in heart and mind.