Louis D. Salen
Louis D. Salen, 93, of Jensen Beach, Fla., passed away on Oct. 5, 2019. He was born Aug. 19, 1926 in Harborcreek, Pa. to the late Theodore and Opal (Bidwell) Salen. Louis graduated from North East High School and then served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from May 1944 to Sept 1946. He married his beloved wife, Roselyn (Muscarella) Salen, on Sept. 10, 1949, and Roselyn predeceased him in Dec. 2017. He graduated from Gannon College in 1950, furthered his education at the University of Pittsburgh, Alfred University and Cornell University, and finished his Masters of Administration and Specialist in Education (SEA) from the University of Buffalo. In 2004, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Gannon University.
Louis started his long career in education as a math and science teacher in Greenwood, N.Y. He moved into a supervising principal position at Bradford Central School in 1955, then became superintendent at Brocton Central School in 1962, and finally superintendent at Lyndonville Central School in 1966. In 1973, he became Assistant Superintendent in Charge of Instruction at Orleans Niagara BOCES, and he retired from there in 1983. In July 1986, he was recruited for the Executive Director position at the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) of Orleans County, and he remained there until September 1989.
Lou was very active in his community and church. He was involved in the American Legion since 1946, was a Boy Scout Assistant Leader in Bradford, N.Y., was a Neighborhood Commissioner, and was honored for 20 years of distinguished service by the Lewiston Trail Council District. He was also a member of the Masons in Greenwood and Bradford, becoming Master of the Lodge in Bradford. He was a volunteer fireman in Greenwood and was a very active member of the Lion’s Club, which he joined in 1962 in Brocton and continued serving for almost 50 years before retiring in 2012 from the Lyndonville branch, where he served as President, Secretary and Treasurer over 15 years. His service also included: Orleans County IDA Board of Directors, Chairman of 1982 Niagara County ARC Executive Board, Niagara County CETA Advisory Board, New York State Council of Migrant Education, Orleans County Cooperative Extension Executive Board, Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, Town of Yates Planning Board (Chairman for 20 years), Town of Yates Board of Assessment Review (Chairman), Community Water Advisory Committee for the Town of Yates and the Village of Lyndonville (Chairman), Orleans County Private Industry Council, and Member and President of Orleans Niagara BOCES Board of Education.
Along with his wife, Lou was a District Representative for American Field Service (AFS) in western New York for almost 20 years. While serving in that capacity, he and Rose hosted two foreign exchange students, Erika (Ulf) Achleitner of Austria and Miguel (Clarice) Vicari of Brazil.
Lou and Rose joined the United Methodist Church in Greenwood in 1952 and remained active UMC members in Lyndonville. Sunday School teacher, lay leader and lay speaker were just a few of Lou’s roles within the church community. He also served as Chairman of Batavia District Laity Leadership Committee of the UMC.
After retirement, Lou very much loved spending time with his family and friends, and he also enjoyed golfing and traveling. After moving to Florida, Lou and Rose continued as active members and volunteers in their church community in Jamaica Bay.
Louis was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Roselyn; brother, Stanley; and sister, Eileen (Thompson).
He is survived by his children, Louann (Larry) Manning, Wayne (Nancy) Salen and Lisa (Christopher) Lima; his sisters, Bonnie (Mike) Alcorn and Peggy (David) Foster; grandchildren, Lindy Thering, Wesley (Sara) Salen, Janelle (Scott) Harvey, Aislinn Manning, Alexandria Lima, Mandy (Frank) Sarhan, Sheri Manning and Chris Manning; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
Lou will be remembered for his sense of humor, his friendly and noble character, and lively conversations about everything and anything. He had a special twinkle in his blue eyes when he smiled, which was often, that will be greatly missed.
Family and friends can join in a celebration of Louis’ life on Sat., Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at United Methodist Church in Lyndonville.
Memorial gifts may be made in Lou’s name to United Methodist Church, 102 N. Main St., Lyndonville NY 14098; or to American Legion Post 1603.
Arrangements were entrusted to Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 112 N. Main St., Lyndonville NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Louis at www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.
