Michael R. Salamone passed away unexpectedly on December 17th, 2018 in Arlington, Virginia. He was 58 years of age. Michael was born in Covina, California on September 7th, 1960. He has requested that his ashes be spread across the Pacific Ocean in the presence of family during a private ceremony.
After graduation from High School Michael went on to receive a B.S. degree in Aviation Administration as well as an M.B.A. in Aviation. His life work, which he very much enjoyed, was in the field of aviation. In his spare time he enjoyed tending to his beautiful garden and caring for his precious dogs.
Michael is preceded in death by his parents and a sister. He is survived by his two children and wife of 27 years, as well as his two sisters and many cousins. He will be missed by his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association.
This morning, I was shocked and very sad upon learning of Mike’s untimely death. I am speechless. I opened the TRB 2018 Annual Report. On the inside cover was the announcement.
Mike was a dedicated professional as Airport Manager at Burlington, IA and eventually as a Manager at TRB. Mike loved life and Mike made himself available to help his coworkers Mike was special.
To his family, Josie, Michael and Genivieve, I offer my condolences knowing that condolences do not compare their loss.
Mike was a good-hearted, good natured friend and a good man who will be sorely missed by colleagues and friends.
Ed Just, Edward Just Associates
February 25, 2019
I was very saddened to hear of Michael’s sudden death. Although I am not sure I have seen him in person (except on Facebook) since 1977, I remember that year well. As one of his second cousins, my brother and I were spending the summer with our grandmother (Michael’s great-aunt) in Covina, CA. Michael saved the summer from boredom by taking us to Disneyland, driving us to skateboard parks, and most memorably taking us to see the original Star Wars movie. I thought he was crazy because the line extended down two or three blocks and I could not imagine anyone waiting for any movie that long. But we did and it was a wonderful time! Michael was always optimistic, giving, and enthusiastic! My sincere condolences to his family and friends – Melissa
My deepest condolence to Mike’s family! I have the privilege to interact with Mike when I served on ACRP project panels. I always enjoyed the opening sessions when Mike explained TRB, ACRP and the roles and responsibilities of project panel members. His passion, knowledge and the ways he communicated were amazing. I will always remember him and his clear and resonant voices.
My deepest condolences to Mike’s family and the ACRP staff on the loss of such a dediated and caring man. I knew Mike for the past 9 years as an ACRP volunteer, and have always been impressed with his pursuit of professional excellence and passion for the aviation industry. There is no better resource for improving the management and operations of America’s airports than ACRP, and Mike was the voice, visionary, and leader of that great institution for so many years. His passion and leadership will be sorely missed, but his overwhelmingly positive legacy will live on. Thanks to Mike for making the aviation industry so much better for his involvement.
I will remember Mike as a man who took pride and joy in connecting people from across the aviation industry. The relationships formed during ACRP research panels, AOC meetings, and through the many outreach efforts Mike led created a lasting foundation of collaboration, knowledge, and camaraderie among airport staff, consultants, flight operators, and academia that trancends generational, subject matter, and experiential boundaries.
These connections that Mike fostered are indeed his professional legacy, for which all of us in aviation are thankful.
Josee, Micheal, and Genevieve, my sincerest condolences to all of you. We from the aviation community grieve with you.
To Mike’s family, colleagues and many friends —
I was so very deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. When I heard the terrible news, my thoughts went to the first time we met, over dinner during a TRB annual meeting. We were eating at an Italian restaurant and Mike shared an experience he had as a young man traveling in Italy. He visited a town where his ancestors came from, and looked up relatives who still lived there. They invited him to a town gathering one evening, and when he showed up he found himself seated in a chair at the center of the room surrounded by an animated crowd. As I recall, they asked him questions, some in English, many in Italian, which he didn’t understand. I clearly remember Mike’s laughter and twinkling eyes when he delivered the punch line to the story: his realization that they were sizing him up as possible marriage material.
Over the years since, I had the pleasure of working with Mike on a variety of ACRP research projects and initiatives. In ever case, I learned something new or gained some new insight from him. TRB could not have chosen a better person to start up and lead the ACRP. As so many have said, he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Dear family,
I didn’t know Michael well but he was always openhearted and welcoming in his interactions. He came to Switzerland a very long time ago and I stll remember his enthusiasm. My sincere condolences.
I was so sad to hear of Mike’s untimely passing. I had the pleasure of knowing and working directly and indirectly with Michael in varied capacities, a very passionate individual for the the betterment of the ACRP and CRP programs here in TRB. His smile and goodwill will also be definitely missed. Your family are all in my prayers.
To Mike’s family, friends and colleagues,
My deepest sympathy to you in this time of grief. I had the pleasure of working with Mike on several ACRP projects. He cared a great deal about his work and it showed. The industry is better because of Mike’s contributions and he will be missed a great deal. May you find peace knowing that he accomplished a great deal. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Cullen
Mike was admired and respected. I am so shocked and saddened. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers
I was very sad to hear of Mike’s death. He had a big impact on the state of knowledge in our industry, and had a bigger impact on the people in it! He had a way of responding to people that showed that he really appreciated them as individuals, and their unique contribution. He was creative and thought deeply, and could respond to a room full of arguing people by framing a problem in a few carefully-chosen words. He loved talking about his son and daughter and was proud of who they had become. My condolences to them and Josee – Mike will be missed.
To Mike ‘s family and ACRP organization, please accept my condolence.
I am so grateful that I had an opportunity meet Mike during ACRP panel events.
I always looked forward to his introduction / welcome speech.
I am so shocked to hear his passing and may he Rest In Peace
Marci and Joe , please accept my condolence again.
Dear family
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your loved one. Death is such an awful thing the scriptures let us know that God Hates death just as much as we do (1corinthians16:26). Please know that your in my thoughts and in just a little while you’ll be holding Michael again ( Revelation 21:4)
My sincere Condolences
My deepest sympathy to Mike’s family, and our aviation family. I’m at a loss for words. A friend, collegue, and more importantly; Im grateful to have known Mike and worked with him on a couple ACRP projects. RIP Mike, you left our industry in a much better place. JET
As a colleague, now retired, and as a former manager of other TRB cooperative research programs, the terrible news of Mike’s sudden passing was quite a shock, and as the loss is truly realized, the sadness grows. We chatted often about our programs. Mike was one of the most innovative and creative people I’ve ever met, always pushing to improve on the old and boldly move to the future. He was a wonderful colleague and will be truly missed by many and, in particular, TRB staff and the community of airport managers. However, as devastating it is with all those he worked with, I’m sure in no way compares to his loss to your family; my heartfelt sympathies. He left us way too soon.
Josee and family, Holly and I are shocked to hear this news. Mike was a special friend and mentor to me. Please know you all are in our prayers. God bless!
I am so sorry to hear this news, so sudden and so very sad for all of us who knew him and benefited from his friendship and support. I didn’t know him well, though came to know him well enough in ACRP projects to clearly understand the quality of his work and the sensitivity of his heart. He was always ready to help. I know he will be greatly missed. To his family, please accept my sincerest sympathies and hopeful comfort from the many memories you hold dear.
Mike’s powerful personality and fearless belief in innovation affected many of us who worked in CRP. His thoughts were big, but he also appreciated care for the little details, so his door was open and his smile welcoming even when I knocked on the frame with the kinds of detailed questions only an editor can bring. He had a huge impact; I will miss him and remember him. Sending you heartfelt condolences and hopes that as you collect the happy, funny, uplifting memories — these will ease your difficulties and the pain of your loss.
Sincères condoléances à vous Josée, Geneviève et Michael ainsi qu’à toute votre famille.
Je pense à vous très fort.
Mike was my manager, mentor, role model, and a friend. We fortuitously crossed paths when I needed direction, and I attribute success from the kindness he naturally espoused to me and countless others. Thank you Mike.
Dear Salamone Family and Friends,
My heart is so sad to hear this news. Mike will remain in my thoughts as a vibrant, happy and brilliant man. His energy and efforts will forever change our approach to the aviation industry.
Rest in Peace, Mike.
Carolyn Motz, HGR (Retired)
Dear Josee, Genevieve, and Michael,
I was so shocked when Jill told me of Mike’s death. You are all in my heart and thoughts always. Perhaps Mike and Vern will get together and share stories !! Lord knows we have a lot of them !!
Take care – I send you love –
Jan
To the family of Mike Salamone.
I was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Mike. I retired from TRB in 2011 but remember Mike’s professionalism and humor. It was a joy just knowing him. I am sorry for your loss and pray for your peace, strength, and comfort during this most difficult time.
I wish to express my deepest condolences to Josée, Genevieve, and Michael on the loss of their husband and father. Mike was true aviation professional and a driving force behind our Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) work. He will be missed.
Dearest Salamone Family,
I was completely surprised at the news of Michael’s passing. I know this is a tough time for all of you. You are in my heart and my prayers. I love you all.
Deepest sympathy,
Shiona Clark
you will be greatly missed. your legacy lives on.
We have been thinking of you. Hugs
Josee, Genevieve and Micheal, we are sorry to hear of Mike’s death. We remember fondly the many, many hours he put in with marching band and other school activities. He always hosted a great party and was willing to open his home up to host any event. The time seems to have flown since those days and I am sorry we didn’t get together more after all our children left home. We will be keeping all of you in prayer. We pray that you find comfort in the memories you have and knowing that he continues to love you all. Steve, Amy and Aaron Hill
To the family of Mike Salamone,
We offer you our deepest condolences. Please know that our thoughts are with you at this time. Mike was a friend and respected colleague and he will be dearly missed.
Sincerely,
National Association of State Aviation Officials
It is with deep, deep sadness that I heard about the sudden passing of Mike earlier this week.
I had the priviledge of interviewing Mike when he first applied for employment to TRB and later named him as ACRP Manager. It was a delight to work with him as he meticulously built up the credability of the ACRP, establishing strong ties with the airport community and implementing innovative approaches to delivering research results.
I will miss him deeply and offer my deepest sympathies to Josee, Genieveve, Michaei, and the rest of the Salamone family.
Rest in peace my friend.
Josee, Micheal and Genevieve we are so sad to hear about Mike’s passing. We are praying for you and keeping you in our thoughts. So many great memories with your family.
It was my privilege to know Mike professionally these past 11 years through my volunteer work with ACRP. I knew him to be kind, thoughtful, professoonal and generous – a true gentleman and a credit to the ACRP organization that he helped to build from its inception. A recently retired airport manager, my continued involvement with ACRP is due in large part to Mike’s contributions. All who knew him will miss him terribly.
My condolences to your family. mike was a good man and he will be missed.
So sorry for your loss- I worked with Mike on a couple of projects and he was always great…..
Josée – Our deepest condolences for your and your family’s loss. Mike made a huge difference in the world, and will be sorely missed by the many he called friend.
Great man, amazing contributions towards the US aviation system. Will be very, very hard to replace. Godspeed Mike and all our prayers to your family.
To Josée, Genevieve and Michael
My thoughts and prayers are that you’ll find Peace and Love in the memories of the very good times you had as a family. He was a tremendous colleague and will be missed by us as well.
I worked with Mike. He had a vision for innovation and eternal optimism that was contagious. Through the Airport Cooperative Research Program, he helped airports share innovations and I am so grateful for his contributions just as a member of the traveling public. More importantly, his kindness, open heart, and generosity have made a personal impact on me as well as many colleagues. My deepest condolences to his friends, family, and co-workers as we grieve the loss of Mike in our lives.
Be there loving and fond memories of Michael during this holiday season for his wife, children, sisters, cousins and friends.
Mine are from the summer of 1969, I had fun with a 9 year old boy, doubled up on a carpet, zooming down an outdoor amusement slide in CA; as fun as if we were on a toboggan going down a snow covered Cob’s Hill in Rochester, in the wintertime.
I am so sorry to learn about Mike’s passing.
We will always remember him smiling and laughing.
Love, Karen & Kim Grubbs
It’s terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Mike had been very nice to me and provided professional advices, which helped my career development. He will always be remembered.
I am so sorry. We will miss Mike. We had great times with both of you
Francine et Marcelle sommes avec ta famille en pensé prenez soin de vous plein d amour de Québec
A toi Josée, les enfants, ainsi qu’à toute la famille, mes plus sincères condoléances.
Remembering Mike with love. He loved his family so much and was so proud of Michael and Genevieve. We are so very sorry to hear of his sudden passing and we are praying for you every day. With much love – The Clark family.
So so sorry for your loss. I’m a retired TRB staff but worked with Michael in some capacity over the years. He will definitely be missed. Your family is in my prayers.
James Henson
I am so sorry for your loss.
Richard and I send our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of Mike’s family. Mike deeply loved his family. I know he will be missed by all.