Beloved Family Man & Korean War Vet Dies

Details of the long-time Lindenhurst resident’s life and passing include the following:

Gaspar Salvi
Salvi, of Lindenhurst, passed away on July 27. He was 83.

According to his family, when he passed he was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Salvi will be greatly missed by his large, extended family, friends, and neighbors who respected him as a man “who said what was on his mind, and meant what he said," according to his family.

Salvi acquired many nicknames during his life, such as Gabby, Gabe, Sal, Brother and Uncle Brother, his family said.

Born to Concetta Realmuto and Vincent Salvi on May 23, 1929, Salvi was raised in Brooklyn. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, and worked in construction for many years before being employed in various positions for Mobil Oil, from which he retired.

He married Doris McPherson on July 2, 1955, and the couple enjoyed dinners and playing cards with friends and family.

Mr. and Mrs. Salvi also liked to dance to big band music, with many a show-stopping performance to the song In the Mood at family gatherings.

The couple bowled together, too - a sport in which Mr. Salvi excelled, even achieving a 300 game.

The devoted father of four girls, Salvi spent quality time with the daughters, including many outings on their boat in the Great South Bay. He taught the girls how to clam and fish, and the family also enjoyed vacations to California and upstate New York.

Once his children moved out of the house, he greatly appreciated when they returned with their families for Sunday spaghetti dinners and backyard barbecues.

A fan of some sports, Salvi especially liked those played by his grandchildren, whose games he regularly attended. He also liked to play the horses, and one of his favorite holidays was Fathers’ Day, when the family would picnic at Belmont Park racetrack. With no boys of his own, he became close with his sons-in law, who looked at him as a friend.

A mechanic by trade and hobby, Salvi's expertise was offered frequently, and his family could always rely on his skills, which were often inventive.

Salvi also had musical ability, and his family would enjoy when he would play the guitar and sing.

After he retired more than 20 years ago, Salvi began to visit Florida, and the couple eventually bought a waterfront home to which they escaped the cold Winter months to enjoy fishing and eating out at favorite restaurants.

Salvi is survived by his wife, Doris, his children, Lynn Giordano, Susan Gallagher, Patti Blennau, and Carrie Ann Salvi, his sons-in-law, Mark, Bobby, Frank and Joe, and his grandchildren, Nicole, Lisa, Scott, Stefani and Aimee.

His sister, June Vadala, also survives, while his brother, Sonny, predeceased him.

Visitation was held on August 5 at the Lindenhurst Funeral Home. A mass of Christian burial will take place on August 6 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Church in West Babylon, with interment to follow at Breslau Cemetery in Lindenhurst.

Information was provided by the .