Frederick G. Salerno, 74, of Bolivar Drive, Bradford, passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born December 30, 1951, in Bradford, he was one of three children born to the late Bruno F. and Adele M. (Guelfi) Salerno. He was a proud 1969 graduate of Bradford High School.
Fred developed a love for automobiles at an early age. He worked at Rink Brothers, Clayt’s Auto Shop, and Fairway Ford before spending many years at Barrett’s Auto Body, where he remained until his retirement in 2023. As a young man, he enjoyed building cars and trucks and racing them on local mud tracks and drag strips throughout the region.
In addition to his work in the auto body industry, Fred was a talented carpenter. He spent countless evenings and weekends building and remodeling homes, creating beautiful kitchen cabinets, and helping family, friends, and neighbors with projects of all kinds. He was known for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need.
Fred enjoyed baking, bowling with the Thursday Night League at Byllye Lanes, and camping with his family. Some of his happiest moments were spent teaching his granddaughters how to bake and sharing time with those he loved. He was well liked by nearly everyone who knew him and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His kindness, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Above all, Fred cherished his family. His greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought immense pride and happiness to his life.
Surviving are his daughter, Casey Baer, of Bradford; his son, Scott (Kasi) Salerno, of Bradford; the mother of his children, Cathy (Chiarenza) Salerno, of Bradford; five grandchildren, Winnie Baer, MiaLynn Salerno, Hannah Skaggs, Lacey Cressley, and Rylee Cahill; two great-grandchildren, Finnigan Cressley and Fischer Cressley; his sister, Mary Ann (Joseph) Sczudlo, of Fletcher, North Carolina; his brother, Michael (Stacie) Salerno, of Bradford; his uncles, James Guelfi, of Bradford, and John (Mary Lynn) Salerno, of Warren, along with two nieces and two nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle, Henry “Hank” Guelfi.
Family will receive friends on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street, Bradford. Funeral services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Kids and Cancer, P.O. Box 1299, Bradford, PA 16701.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com