[3] Saltarelli first served as an associate pastor at Holy Family Parish in Nutley, New Jersey, from 1960 to 1977, earning a Master of Religious Studies degree from Manhattan College in New York City in 1975.

[1] Saltarelli was named pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, in June 1985, and vicar for priests in November 1987.

He received his episcopal consecration on July 30, 1990, from then Theodore McCarrick, with Archbishop Peter Gerety and Bishop John Smith serving as co-consecrators.

During his tenure, Saltarelli oversaw an increase of over 60,000 Catholics in the diocese, ordained 23 priests and 47 permanent deacons, and constructed or renovated numerous churches, schools, and other facilities.

[2] He also expanded ministries to Hispanics, and established a group of Delawarean Catholics dedicated to preventing legislation that would legalize cloning and the use of human embryos for medical research.

His resignation was accepted by the pope on July 7, 2008, and he served as apostolic administrator of Wilmington until the installation of his successor, Bishop William F. Malooly, on September 8, 2007.