UTICA — Reverend Joseph Salerno, a longtime faith leader to the community, will retire from the priesthood in July after 43 years of service.

Throughout his years as a priest, Salerno worked for various churches within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, including churches in the Mohawk Valley as well as in the Binghamton area.

Salerno currently serves as a priest for the Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish, 2222 Genesee St., where he has been celebrating Mass and sharing the sacraments with parishioners for the past 21 years.

In addition to his service as a priest, Salerno also serves as chaplain to the Utica Police Department and Utica Fire Department. He has also served on numerous boards of local organizations.

Salerno announced his retirement plans during a recent Mass, and a spontaneous standing ovation brought the beloved priest, known for his dedicated service to others, to tears.

“I’m turning 75 in June. I’m in good health but at 75, while there’s still a few younger priests who are more than willing and able to take my place, I thought it was time for me to step aside — not from ministry, but from the role and office of pastor,” Salerno said on his decision to retire.

Upon his retirement, Salerno will continue to serve as chaplain for Utica’s police and fire departments, as well as continuing to serve on the board for The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties.

In recognition of his many years in the Catholic church and his service to the community, a retirement party will take place on June 2 at Doubletree by Hilton Utica, 102 Lafayette St., from 6 to 9 p.m., where friends, colleagues, local officials and the community can celebrate Salerno’s legacy and dedication to his faith as he enters retirement.

Officials with Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish ask that you RSVP to the event no later than May 26 by calling their office at 315-724-3155.

“For me, personally, it has been a wonderful experience,” Salerno said, looking back on his years of service to the community. “I’ve met incredible people in the last 43 years as I’ve served as a priest and as a pastor, and I can’t express my gratitude enough to those people that had been life-giving and have enriched my life as we’ve walked together in faith over these years.”

Salerno’s last day with Mary, Mother of Our Savior Parish will be July 1, making June 25 his final Sunday mass.