Carl Saldutti, Lansdale Parks & Recreation chief, dies at 69

Carl W. Saldutti Jr., a beloved public servant who headed Lansdale’s Parks and Recreation Department for decades, died Saturday, Oct. 20, at the age of 69.

He had been ill in recent months, though no cause of death was released.

Saldutti, born April 10, 1949 in Philadelphia, dedicated his entire professional life to Lansdale, and worked tirelessly for more than 45 years to improve the quality of life in the borough.

He was the steward of the town's picturesque parks and pools. And he inaugurated or shepherded many of the annual events that residents have come to look forward to, including the Summer Concert Series in Whites Road Park, exercise and dance classes at the P&R building on Lansdale Ave., and the Festival of the Arts each August in Memorial Park.

With his distinctive curly gray hair, mustache and goatee, Saldutti was an omnipresent figure at most of the town’s events, and a vociferous advocate of Lansdale. His official obituary notes he also loved his Harley Davidson motorcycle, as well as vacationing in Cape May, N.J.

"I can’t imagine the parks system without him,” said Borough Council Vice-President Mary Fuller, who heads the borough’s Parks and Recreation Committee and worked closely with Saldutti. "He’s been involved in it for almost all of my life. I’ve been his committee chair for almost nine years. I’m devastated.”

For his efforts, he was honored with Discover Lansdale’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, only the second recipient to receive the honor (after longtime Fairmount Fire Chief Jay Daveler). He was cited for his official 40th anniversary with the borough in 2011.

And when he gave a public presentation last year for a local Civics 101 class, he spoke continuously for some 90 minutes – without referring to notes, without taking a sip of water, and almost without taking a breath – on the ins and outs of tending Lansdale’s loveliest public trusts.
 
His obituary also notes he was preceded in death by his beloved dog, Mozi Blue.

Relatives and friends may call between 2 and 3:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, followed by the funeral service at 4 p.m.  Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 1818 Market St., Suite 2820, Philadelphia, PA 19103.