Vincent “Babe” Saleme, 82, of Beaumont, died January 29, 2005 at his home surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 31, 2005 with a rosary to follow at 7:00 P.M. at the mortuary.
Babe was born on February 12, 1922 in Beaumont, Texas, the son of Thomas Saleme of Corleone, Palermo, Italy and Tina Palermo of Gibellina, Italy. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS LST 722. Babe belonged to many organizations that include the Men of Jude, YMBL, Italian American Society of Beaumont and was a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of St. Jude where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He enjoyed his monthly luncheons with his fellow classmates from Beaumont High School class of 1939, was a proud Aggie grandparent and enjoyed forty-five years of playing golf at the Bayou Din Golf Club. Babe retired from Texas Coffee Company and Bogel Sales.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of fifty-six years, Marie Granata Saleme; his children, Vincent “Winkie” Saleme and his wife Diane of Houston, and Mary Saleme Aiena and her husband Tom of Lumberton; his grandchildren, Marc Saleme of Lincoln, Nebraska, Tiffany Jeane of Houston, Stephanie Jeane of College Station, and Vincent Saleme, II of Houston; and by his surviving siblings, Sam Saleme, Tommy Saleme, Camilla Saleme and Lena Auld.
Babe was a good man and a gentle husband, father, granddaddy and friend and will be missed by all. We have wonderful memories and know that dad is home safe.
Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright of Beaumont, 405 North 14th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702, or Msgr. Kelly High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
