Linda Marie Salleroli

Eastport, ME and Barnegat, NJ – Linda Marie Salleroli, 61, passed away at home Monday, June 29, 2015, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Linda was born in Irvington, NJ on July 5, 1953, daughter of the late James and Martha (Barinek) Johnson. She graduated from Middletown High School in New Jersey, Class of 1971. Linda became a bartender / waitress and also graduated from Real Estate School. While bartending she met her love, the man whom she would spend the next 30 years with, Alan Salleroli. They were married July of 1987. Together they owned and operated The Goldduster, an antique and collectibles store in Barnegat, NJ and traveled throughout the United States doing antique shows. Linda and Al moved to Eastport where they continued their antique store in their home, changing the name to Rose Garden Antiques and Design. Eventually they changed the business to a restaurant and bar, moving to its current location on Dana St. in Eastport.

Upon moving to Eastport Linda immersed herself into the local arts community co-chairing the Festival of Lights committee and making costumes for the Arts Center in Eastport. She enjoyed spending time outdoors soaking up the sun and tending to her gardens. Painting, drawing and quilting were among her hobbies where she expressed her artistic talents. In addition to her own art she enjoyed showcasing the works of other local artists in her gallery, “Knotts So Famous Art Gallery”.

Linda had a big heart and loved helping others in need. She went out of her way to help local benefits and enjoyed inviting people over on the holidays that had no place to go, never wanting anyone to spend the holidays alone. She was hopelessly in love with her family and took great joy as it expanded with each new member and grandchild. XOXOXO

In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by her brother Jay Johnson. Surviving are her husband Al Salleroli of Eastport; four children, Donald (Baby Boy) Salleroli and companion Patricia Greta of Philadelphia, Gretchen DeSantis and husband Mark of Pembroke, Kimmy Alvarez and husband Miguel of Tinton Falls, NJ, and Lindsay Pulz and companion Tyler Walls of Eastport; seven grandchildren, Jesselyn, Alexis, Kaya, Margaux, Grace, Angela, and Natalie; two great-grandchildren, Addison and Donnie; two sisters, Martha Creel and husband Harold of WV, and Joy Sodomick and husband George of WV; four brothers, James “Gus” Johnson and wife Diana of MD, Jeff Johnson and wife Catherine Lloyd of Eastport, Jonathan Johnson and wife April of WV, and Joel Johnson of WV; many nieces and nephews; numerous friends; and her three “grand-pugs”, Brutus, Bitsy, and Bubba.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held on her birthday, 3 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Rose “Rez” Garden, 9 Dana St., Eastport. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.