Tim Salius

Anthony “Tim” Salius, Jr., 73, of Harwinton, CT, beloved husband of Diane (Guarda) Salius, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at Yale New Haven Hospital, succumbing to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  IPF is a fatal lung disease with no known cure.  He was diagnosed six years ago.

Born in Torrington on May 19, 1941, he was the son of the late Anthony “Tut” and Gertrude (Covallo) Salius, Sr.

Tim was a 1959 graduate of Torrington High School and an alumnus of the University of Connecticut, Class of 1963.  He also held a Masters Degree from Southern Connecticut State University and served as an officer in the Connecticut National Guard.

Prior to his retirement in 1999, Tim was employed by the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch for 36 years, serving as Director of the Family Division for the Superior Court.  A strong advocate against domestic violence, he was instrumental in the passage of numerous domestic violence laws.  Tim was also a past president of the National Association of Family Courts and, until his death, was Chairman of the state Advisory Committee for Juvenile Justice.

An avid golfer, Tim as a long time member of at Green Woods Country Club and Sandpiper Bay Country Club in Sunset Beach, North Carolina where he and Diane spent a great deal of time.

In addition to his wife, Tim is survived by two sons whom he was very proud of, Chris Salius and his wife Tina and Scott Salius and his wife Jody.  He is also survived by two brothers, Michael Salius and his wife Elaine, and Jack Salius and his wife Barbara.  Tim also is survived by his brother-in-law Nick Guarda and his wife Tracey.  Tim leaves behind three grandchildren, Ryne Salius, Shelby Salius and Ian Thompson.  He adored all three and enjoyed a special relationship with each.  Also surviving Tim are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Krinsky, Dr. Stephen Bryant, Dr. Erica Herzog and the staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and Yale New Haven Hospital for their care and compassion.

There will be no calling hours, and burial will be private.  A Memorial Mass, open to all, will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Church, 107 East Main St., Torrington followed by a luncheon reception at Green Woods Country Club, 300 Torringford St. (Route 183), Winsted, CT 06098.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to find a cure for IPF at: www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio  St., Suite 304, Chicago, IL  60611.  Condolences may be sent to the Salius family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com