Joseph Saulino, 83, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, February 16, 2025. He was born on October 13, 1941 in Cumberland, Kentucky, the son of the late Clement and Anna Elizabeth (nee Moccia) Saulino.
On May 27, 1967, Joe was ordained as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Covington, Kentucky. He later moved to the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky. He served in numerous parishes in the Lexington Diocese, mainly in the mountain missions of Eastern Kentucky. After serving in ministry for 40 years, he retired in July of 2006 to St. Louis, Missouri. In March of 2009, Joe married Rita Marie Rothweil and became the father to Rita’s daughter Julie who was adopted from Calcutta, India in 1984.
For six years, Joe and Rita fostered children between the ages of birth – 2 years with medical needs. Over these 6 years they cared for over 16 babies. In August 2021, Joe and Rita sold their home in St. Louis and moved in with their daughter, Julie, in Fairview Heights, Ill. After moving in with their daughter, they became active members at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in O’Fallon, Illinois.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas “Tom” Saulino, sister, Michela “Mickey” (Allen “Colly” Carlton) Gilbert, sister, Berenice (Robert “Bob”) Roll, and brother-in-law Lee Niehaus.
He is survived by his wife of almost 16 years, Rita Saulino; and her daughter Julie Rothweil; sister Joanne Niehaus; sister-in-law Jeannie Saulino (wife of the late Tom); dear family friend who was loved like a bonus daughter Alisha Woods; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews; and many friends.
Joe’s family will greet friends from 10-11 am, Saturday, March 15, 2025 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St, O’Fallon, Illinois. A Memorial Mass will follow at 11 am, at the church, with Rev. James Deiters presiding. Following the service, a reception will be held in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to St. Vincent DePaul. Sign the online guestbook at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Joe generously donated his body to St. Louis University for medical research.
