Alexander Salemme

Alexander “Al” Salemme of Greenwich, Connecticut, died on May 26, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida with his daughter and grandson by his side.

Born on February 19, 1948, in West Haven, Connecticut, to Marion Caruso Salemme and Ralph Salemme, Al graduated from West Haven High School and later, in 1974, began a career in the grocery business with Grade A Markets, owned by the Cingari Family. While at Grade A, he became an integral part of the produce, bakery, and floral departments. Over the years, Sam Cingari and Al created a special bond that few are lucky enough to share. In fact, Al adopted the entire Cingari Family as if they were his own and they have always held a special place in Al’s heart.

Al cared deeply about his work and his employees. He relished the opportunity to share his knowledge by mentoring anyone who was interested in learning about his passion. Al was always there to offer support and guidance. Whether employee, friend, family or stranger, if he could be of assistance, you knew Al would lend a hand.

Al’s friends meant the world to him. They made his days brighter and Al reflected that brightness back. Al could walk into any local restaurant, and everyone knew him by name. Some may call Al a legend, but Al knew that his success was only due to the amazing people around him. Al inspired many, but many inspired him, too.

Most anyone who knew him also knew Al was an avid wine connoisseur. True to form and character, he was always happy to teach his friends as much as he could about his favorite grapes. Al was always up to share a tasting. Al’s talents were also on full display when he hosted the best house parties in Fairfield County. Al owned four dozen wine glasses to ensure that each of his guests had their own glass. There was no plastic at Al’s home! If Al came to your home for dinner, he would most likely find his way to the kitchen to help create an “ALevated” experience.

Al is survived by his daughter, Dana Kaplan; his grandson, Andrew Kaplan; his granddaughter, Emma Kaplan; his niece, Jackie Marsala; his nephew, Tom Colucci and his great nephews and nieces Kevin Wypychoski, Laurel Wypychoski, Tracy Smith, and Richard Caruso Jr.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Marion Caruso Salemme and Ralph Salemme, his sister Marie Colucci and his brothers Edmond Caruso and Richard Caruso, Sr.

A wake service will take place on the afternoon of Monday, June 3, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM, at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Tuesday morning, June 4th, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. The interment will be private.

To leave a message of condolence for Al’s family please visit www.cognetta.com.