Renato "Ron" Salzano

It is with deep sadness that his siblings, children, and grandchildren announce the death of Renato Salzano Age 78. Renato was born on August 25 1946 in Chiauci Italy. He immigrated to America and came to Cincinnati at the age of 11. He quickly figured out how to make friends, learn English and thrive in America. To this day, his closest friends are the ones that he met at age 11.  

He was a master in maintaining his Italian heritage and embracing his American Citizenship. He loved both soccer and golf and excelled at both throughout his life. Of course, his food of choice was ITALIAN, and he was an amazing chef, making homemade sauces, pasta, wine and lots of Italian sausage.  

He started working at the Mariemont Barbershop as a new barber in his early 20’s and within 5 years purchased the shop and grew it into a thriving local business highlighted several times in Cincinnati Magazine and voted as the “best Barbershop on the East side of Cincinnati”  

You never know who you would find in his barbershop, CEO’S, Vice Presidential candidates, rock stars coming thru Cincinnati, top local surgeons, and the list goes on. Not only did you get a great haircut, but you also heard opera and received lessons in Italian.  

He faced many hardships in his life but used great courage to face each one. His attitude was always “just move forward”  

He used the same courage and attitude to face his greatest challenge, ALS, which was diagnosed in December 2022. He managed to continue golfing, biking, and working as long as he could. He kept finding ways to adapt to each new limitation. He never stopped making friends even during the weeks before his death.  

He is preceded in death by his parents Italina and Guiseppe, his brother Mario and his daughter Marina. His children were the centerpiece of his life, and he hosted family dinners until April of 2024.  

He leaves behind his sons Stephen (Cheryl) and Matthew, and daughters Renee (Paul), Christina, and Nina, as well as his grandchildren Kai, Tim, Rose, Stella and Chelsea. He is also survived by his siblings, Lucio (Sue), Lino (Sandy) and Philomena (Jim).  

We would like to thank Dr. Robert Neel from UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and Yvonne Dressman from ALS UNITED of Ohio for their compassionate care and support.  

We also like to thank all of Ron’s caregivers at SEM Haven Nursing Home for loving and caring for him in his last few months.  

Visitation will be Friday, December 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM until the funeral mass at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 7820 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, (45255)  

In memory of Ron and in lieu of flowers, please make donations to ALSohio.org 

The family invites all who wish to honor Ron’s memory to visit the guestbook below to leave a special message or share a memory.