Business Leader who Contributed to Growth of Danbury, Albert J. Salame, 89, has Died

Albert J. Salame, 89, of Danbury, an entrepreneur of the Greater Danbury Business Community and beyond, died unexpectedly on Sunday afternoon, November 19, 2023. 

 Over many years, he demonstrated a progressive business attitude, leadership abilities, and vision; and contributed to the growth of the City of Danbury and various national and international projects.

 Affectionately known to many as “Albert”, he was born in Danbury, on March 25, 1934, the son of Kamil M. and Mamie (Basher) Salame.

 Mr. Salame attended New Street School, Main Street School and graduated with the Danbury High School Class of 1951. While a student at Danbury High School, he served as president of the student council, and “manager” of the DHS Basketball Team and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Best Dressed Male” of his graduating class.

 In his early years, Mr. Salame joined his father, Kamil, in what was originally known as Dimyan’s Wholesale, now Dandy Foods.

 He then expanded the wholesale from fresh fruits and produce to frozen foods and became a pioneer in his industry. Mr. Salame along with his family, expanded the business to a family-owned wholesale food distributor.

 Over the years, Mr. Salame has developed numerous properties on the Westside of Danbury, as well as developing businesses in Delaware, New Mexico, and Brazil.

He served as an Incorporator and Vice-Chairman of the former Danbury Bank & Trust Co. which over the years became part of Bank of America.

 He is currently the president of Albert J. Salame & Affiliated Companies.

 He was a member of the Lebanon-American Club, the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, and St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church.

 In 2007, the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce honored Mr. Salame with it prestigious Cecil J. Previdi Award.  This award was extra special to him because it was given to him by the community where he lived and worked his entire life.

 Mr. Salame was predeceased by his parents, Mamie and Kamil Salame; his sister Marlene George and husband Joseph and their son Douglas.

 He is survived by his children: Jacqueline A. Salame, Albert J. Salame III and his wife Helen, Mary Elizabeth Salame and Kamil M. Salame; his former wife, Elizabeth (Kater) Salame; his sister, Joanne Hajjar and her husband Dr. William Hajjar; and six grandchildren: Alexandra, Albert IV, K. Maron, Marie, A. Melina, and Peter. 

 Mr. Salame is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and friends.