Irene Salvaterra

Irene Salvaterra, 99, of Solvay, passed away peacefully at Francis House in Syracuse on March 8, 2026. Born on August 18, 1926 in Tione, Italy to the late Emilio and Josephine (Failoni) Salvaterra, she immigrated to the United States in 1930 and became a lifelong resident of Solvay. Irene began her working life at Camillus Cutlery before spending many years at Sylvania/GTE of Camillus, where she retired.

Fiercely independent and always one to do things her own way—which she firmly believed was the right way—Irene possessed a heart of gold that touched everyone around her. She was an active member of the Solvay Tyrol Club Auxiliary and the Solvay Senior Citizens. She found joy in bowling, visiting casinos, and playing bingo at the Solvay Youth Center, and she gave generously of her time as a longtime volunteer at St. Cecilia’s Food Pantry.

Irene was predeceased by her brother, Dario (Inga) Salvaterra, and her sister, Elsa (Tony) Barba. She is survived by her nephew, Thomas (Doreen) Barba of Camillus; niece, Cindi Barba (Dennis Coon) of Westvale; great-nephew, Brandon (Colleen) Barba; great-niece, Kristie (Parry) Kitchner; four great-great-nephews and nieces, Sofia Barba, Anthony Barba, Giada Kitchner, and Lucio Kitchner; and bonus great-nephew, Scott (Lindsay) Coon. She is also survived by several special cousins.