News Summary
The Brandon community is in mourning after the passing of Tony Saladino at the age of 89. A dedicated educator and advocate for youth sports, Saladino spent 57 years in the Hillsborough County School District and established the Tony Saladino Award and Baseball Tournament. His contributions to local education and sports left a lasting legacy, while his family and faith were central to his life. Public visitation and funeral services are planned as the community comes together to honor his memory.
Brandon Community Mourns Passing of Tony Saladino at Age 89
The Brandon community is remembering Tony Saladino, who passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 89. A lifelong resident of Tampa and a beloved figure in local education and youth sports, Saladino spent his final moments surrounded by family.
Saladino, a graduate of Jefferson High School, furthered his education by earning a degree in physical education from the University of Tampa in 1958, followed by a master’s degree in education from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt in 1961. He devoted 57 years of his life to the Hillsborough County School District, where he taught physical education across various elementary schools, including Forest Hills, Seffner, Valrico, and Pinecrest.
A Lasting Legacy in Baseball
Born in Ybor City, Saladino was inspired by his father, who instilled a love for baseball in him. After his father passed away in 1961, Tony honored his memory by establishing the Tony Saladino Award in 1971. This prestigious award recognizes the top senior high school baseball player in Hillsborough County and has honored 56 players, 14 of whom have achieved aspirations of playing in Major League Baseball.
In 1981, he and his late wife, Bertha Saladino, founded the Tony Saladino Baseball Tournament, which has become an annual event. The tournament recently completed its 44th edition in March 2025, continuing to foster young baseball talent in the region.
Family and Community Contributions
Throughout his life, Saladino remained committed to his family and faith. He shared his life with Bertha for 52 years until her passing and is survived by two children, Tony Saladino III and Toni Misty Saladino-Feist, along with 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his teaching and coaching, Saladino was active in the community, serving on various boards and being a dedicated member of his parish, Nativity Catholic Church. His contributions to local sports and education earned him several accolades, including induction into the Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame and the Jefferson High School Hall of Fame. He was honored with the Sam Bailey Award from the University of Tampa and a lifetime achievement award from the Tampa Baseball Museum, along with receiving the Hispanic Heritage Award from the Tampa Bay Rays.
Memorial Services and Donations
The Saladino family will hold a public visitation on August 29, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bell Shoals Baptist Church. A funeral Mass in Tony’s honor is scheduled for August 30, 2025, at Nativity Catholic Church at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the Saladino family requests donations to support the continuation of the Saladino Baseball Tournament. Contributions can be made through Venmo or by check.
As the community mourns the loss of Tony Saladino, his legacy of dedication to education, youth sports, and family continues to resonate throughout the lives he touched.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Tony Saladino Obituary
- Osprey Observer: Community Legend Tony Saladino
- Osprey Observer: Construction Begins at Saladino Park
- Fox 13 News: The Triumphant Return of the Saladino Tournament
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tony Saladino
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
