In memoriam

Celebrating The Life & Achievements

Of Lioni Latticini Co-Founder

1949 - 2024

Salvatore Salzarulo was born in Lioni, Italy, on March 26, 1949. Raised in this picturesque region of southern Italy, he joined his father working in the family breadmaking business. In 1974, Salvatore married his teenage love, Michelina, and soon after, started their family in their hometown of Lioni.

In 1980, in order to obtain better medical care for his youngest daughter, Salvatore selflessly immigrated with his family to the United States, settling in Brooklyn, New York. With his uncle Giuseppe, they co-founded Lioni Latticini, Inc. and the Salzarulo family began its tradition in the latticini business. With passion, dedication and hard work, they mastered the art and skill of crafting mozzarella just as they remembered it in Italy. Over the next four decades, the Salzarulo family transformed their small neighborhood family business into a nationally renowned manufacturer and distributor of fresh mozzarella products.

Salvatore worked hands-on each day making sure that Lioni’s products continued to be of the highest quality and consistency, to deliver a traditional Italian fresh mozzarella to American tables. He was a true visionary with great determination and a profound heart—an honorable leader who guided with integrity, valor and respect. Salvatore’s pride for his family, his craft, and his organization will forever resonate through future generations. His daughter Teresa Conforte, and son Giovanni Salzarulo proudly work to carry on Salvatore’s legacy at Lioni.

Loved By His Family. Loved By An Industry.

A Specialty Food Hall Of Famer

Salvatore and fellow Lioni co-founder/owner Giuseppe “Uncle Sal” Salzarulo were honored with an induction into the Specialty Food Association’s Hall of Fame in 2023. The SFA bestows this award only onto those individuals whose accomplishments impact contributions, innovations and successes within the specialty food industry.

Salvatore and Giuseppe celebrated more than 30 years in the industry together, manufacturing an authentic, outstanding, specialty cheese product known as “The Mozzarella”. As dedicated masters of the fresh mozzarella cheesemaking craft, their passion derived from strong family roots deeply tied to Lioni, Italy, an extraordinary work ethic, and an intense commitment to the special artistry so close to their hearts.