J. David Salley Obituary (1935 - 2022)

James David Salley, age 86, of Painted Post, NY died peacefully on August 1, 2022 at Guthrie Corning Hospital after a brief illness. Dave was born on November 6, 1935 in Corning, NY to John and Margaret (Iverson) Salley. He married Caroline Mertson on December 15, 1956. He attended Northside High School and subsequently served in the U.S. Army in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, he learned the trade of meat cutting and butchery. After graduating from trade school, he worked for Acme Markets in Corning then Geneva. Upon returning to Corning, he was hired by The Foodmart where he worked for 45 years. After retiring he served as a groundskeeper for St. Mary’s Cemetery. Dave loved camping, motorcycle trips and traveling to visit his children who lived out of state. In recent years he enjoyed simple things like riding his tractor, sitting on the porch, and just being with his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, always taking time for anyone in need. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Caroline (Kay); five children: Beth (Dave) White of Mooresville, NC, Kristine (George) Matusick of Corning, David (Lee) Salley of Glen Allen, VA, Karen Meyer of Painted Post, and Eric (Kaye) Salley of Elizabethtown, PA; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; brothers, Daniel Salley and Steven Salley; and several nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sylvia Dobson; and infant granddaughter, Caroline. A graveside service will be held for the family at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Corning on Friday, August 12. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Dave’s name to St. Mary’s Cemetery and sent to All Saints Parish, 158 State Street, Corning, NY 14830. Dave's family entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.