Long time educator and coach Gene M Salbato, age 76, passed away on January 9, 2021.
He was born in Trinidad, Colorado on February 18, 1944, to Mike and Emma (Tortorelli) Salbato
He attended Trinidad Catholic High School, Trinidad State Junior College, and USC in Pueblo and attained his Master’s Degree from Adams State. On August 23, 1970, he married the love of his life, Benita Kaup, at St. Boniface Church in Stuart, Nebraska.
He coached and taught at Trinidad Catholic for over twenty years before shifting to Hoehne High School for over twenty years as well. Always a hard worker, he spent his retirement years working with his sons on various construction projects and as a radio sports broadcaster for KCRT radio.
Gene was a member of Holy Trinity Parish
Since Benita’s death in 2016, he spent time daily with his morning “Coffee Club’ Friends
Preceding him in death are his loving wife Benita, parents Mike and Emma Salbato, brother George Salbato, as well as many aunts and uncles. Survivors are sons Mike (Melissa) Salbato, Trinidad, Wayne (Michelle) Salbato, Pueblo West. Grandchildren Mara, Myka, Mason, and Paige. Sister in law Jean Salbato, nephew Craig Salbato, nieces Tammy (Tony) Paradisa and Lisa (Jimmy) Egan as well as many cousins and other relatives
Gene also had many dear friends including Jim and Mimi Zappanti, Jasper Butero, Chuck Pugnetti, George Dasko, and many others
The Salbato family respectfully requests that due to Covid restrictions, the Funeral Services be private, but invites the public to join them for graveside services at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 11 AM.
The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a contribution to the Gene Salbato Scholarship Fund at Trinidad State Junior College Educational Foundation, 600 Prospect St., Trinidad, CO 81082.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home
