Beloved Super’s Family Sues Over Fatal Tumble From UES Building

The family of a beloved super who fell to his death from 200 E. 79th St. while conducting roof repairs back on June 9 is now suing the building’s owners and upper management for negligence.

The suit was filed by Teresa Saljanin, the bereaved wife of 54 year-old Joseph Saljanin and the administratrix (female administrator) of his estate, on September 25. Saljanin is seeking undefined monetary damages from 200 E. 79th St. LLC, the opaque legal entity that owns the Lenox Hill building, which is a full-service condominium tower.

As recounted in the suit itself, Jospeh Saljanin was “instructed to be performing employment duties” on the roof when he fell, alleging that he was told by his job supervisors to work in an unsafe environment. Saladin “fell....because [the roof] was not properly erected, used, monitored or supervised,” lawyers for his family wrote. The building is 19 stories high.

“On and prior to June 9, [the building’s management, or “Residential Board”] was required to provide a safe place to work for building superintendents in its employ, including, by alerting them to, protecting them from and providing information about hazards,” the suit continues. “By reason of the negligence, carelessness and recklessness of the defendant, 200 East LLC, and its violations of law...Jospeh Saljanin died.”

Lawyers say that his death has created financial burdens for his loved ones, including “pecuniary losses, economic damages, loss of services, loss of parental care and guidance and loss of inheritance.”

Saljanin was widely admired amongst fellow superintendents in the New York City area. After his untimely death, the Manhattan Vendor’s Group posted a tribute to him online: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Joseph Saljanin, a true leader in our industry and a compassionate soul who left a lasting impact on everyone he met.”

“He was a mentor, a friend, and a steady presence who brought kindness and integrity into every interaction. His dedication to excellence was matched only by his genuine care for the people around him,” the statement added.

Indeed, in 2017, Straus News—the publisher of Our Town—gave Saljanin its annual OTTY (Our Town Thanks You) “Helping Hand” award, which are handed out in partnership with the union 32BJ SEIU. In an accompanying biography written about him, Saljanin was described as “always ready to assist.”

“In his current role as resident manager on East 79th St., he wears a lot of hats—oversees staff, gets bids from contractors, and is there to assist the tenants with their needs. His favorite part of the job is mentoring new hires. ‘When you bring someone on board and change their life, it’s gratifying,’ he said,” the bio noted.

In a heartbreaking aside, Saljanin described what meant most to him during his rare bit of free time: “When he’s not working, he and his wife spend time with their 9-year-old triplets. They make his coffee for him every morning.”

An ongoing GoFundMe is still active for those wanting to lend a helping hand to the Saljanins and is accepting donations at www.gofund.me/f/help-the-saljanin-family. “Please help Joe’s family in any way you can to honor a wonderful husband, father, friend, boss, leader, and mentor. All donations go directly to the Saljanin family for ongoing financial needs,” the fund notes. As of press time, it has raised around $30,000 toward its goal of $35,000.