Henry E Salkowski

(“Hank,” “Hankster,” “Pop-pop”)

May 19, 1943 – December 15, 2025

Age 82

Henry E. Salkowski, affectionately known as Hank, Hankster, and Pop-pop, passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at his home in Riverside, New Jersey, following a cardiac arrest. He was 82 years old.

Henry was born on May 19, 1943, in his home on Polk Street in Riverside, New Jersey, where he proudly grew up in the Swampoodle section of town – a place that always remained close to his heart. As a young man, he could often be found swimming in the Rancocas Creek, skating at the Riverside skating rink, dancing the Jitterbug, or singing along to Elvis Presley—especially his favorite song, “Blue Suede Shoes.”

In his late teens, he served his country for a brief time in the United States Air Force. Henry devoted 32 years of his life to his career as a butcher, a trade he truly enjoyed and took great pride in. As a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, Henry never missed an opportunity to cheer on his team. He loved his daily Boost, enjoyed bringing people together, and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends.

Above all else, Henry was deeply devoted to his family. He was a constant, supportive presence in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, never missing a chance to attend one of their sporting events, making sure his encouragement was always known. To many he was known as one of the toughest men around and a straight shooter, Henry was equally remembered for having one of the biggest hearts—always willing to help, listen, or stand up for anyone he encountered.

 Henry was predeceased by his parents, Cecelia Salkowski and Edward H. Salkowski. He is survived by his beloved wife, Renee May Salkowski nee Wild; his son, Edmund Henry Salkowski and his wife Elizabeth Ann Salkowski nee Cusick; his daughter, Donna May Capparelli nee Salkowski and her husband Steve Capparelli; his sister Joanne Salkowski, his niece and her daughter Jessica Carroll, brother Stanley Salkowski his wife Brenda Salkowski; his cherished grandchildren Edmund Henry Salkowski Jr., Henry Edward Salkowski, Steven Capparelli his wife Rebecca Capparelli, and Michael Capparelli and his engaged Devon Mattson; as well as his sisters-in-law, Valerie Ann Sanderlin nee Wild and her husband Oscar James Sanderlin, and Sandy Lee Wild. He was also loved by many more nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Henry’s life on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. where there will be a 12pm service at Sweeney Funeral Home, 337 Bridgeboro Street, Riverside, NJ 08075. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Riverside, followed by a luncheon at Otts tavern in Delran.

Henry’s legacy of strength, love, loyalty, and family will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.