Augustine L. “Gus” DeSalvo
Augustine L. Gus DeSalvo, age 90, of Shelby, died peacefully, at his home, Saturday,
February 2, 2008, surrounded by his family, following a month long illness.
Gus, the oldest of 19 children, was born November 1, 1917 in Center Ridge, Arkansas. He had been a Shelby resident since 1943. Mr. DeSalvo retired from The Ohio Steel Tube Company in Shelby in 1980 after 36 years of service. He was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Shelby Knights of Columbus Council #1968, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. Gus was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was a friend to many. He was happiest when he was with his family or visiting with friends. Gus will be remembered fondly by his family and friends for the loving, kind, gentle, Christian way he lived his life.
Gus is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Anne M. Lanni DeSalvo, whom he wed on October 17, 1940; 3 daughters and spouses, Helen and Bill Damron of Wooster, Bette and Frank Damron of Shelby, Sandra DeSalvo of Corrales, NM; 6 grandchildren, Dawn (John) Yates, Deanie (Todd) Kehres, Joelle (Craig) Reese, Jill (Chris) Solis, Anna Kongs, and Christa Kongs; 10 great grandchildren; 11 sisters, Sr. Marie Rose DeSalvo, OSB of Fort Smith, AR, Clara Granger of Edmund, OK, Virginia Lambert of Carmichael, CA, Patricia Hart and Beatrice Miller both of Center Ridge, AR, Margaret Hart of Springfield, AR, Christine Koch, Delores Hartman, and Angela Malik all of Morrilton, AR, Emma Petty of Shelby, Antoinette Hall of Greenbrier, AR; 4 brothers, Mike DeSalvo of Dallas, TX, Tom DeSalvo and Tony J. DeSalvo both of Center Ridge, AR, Brother Tobias DeSalvo, OSB, of Subiaco, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Luke and Josephine Rossi DeSalvo, his step mother, Frances DeSalvo, an infant son, Daniel Louis in 1945, a grandson, Luke Damron, and 3 brothers, Fr. Raphael DeSalvo, OSB, Abraham DeSalvo and Henry DeSalvo.
Friends may call on Thursday, February 7, 2008, from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where the rosary will be recited at 8 PM. A Celebration of Gus’s Life will be held with a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 8, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Most Pure Heart Of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby with his nephew, Father Thomas Hart of The Church of St. John the Baptist and St. Mary’s of the Springs Church in Arkansas, officiating. Father Nick Cunningham will con-celebrate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Memorial expressions may be made to Most Pure Heart Of Mary Catholic Church. The family would appreciate on-line condolences at penwellturner.com
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Family_of: “Gus” DeSalvo
Your_Name: Pat Weaver
Condolence:
I will sure miss talking to Gus in the backyard – what a sweet man!! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. He is safe & well now. Pat Weaver
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Family_of: Gus Desalvo
Your_Name: Skip Faulkner
Condolence:
sorry to here of Gus’s passing He was always a perfect gentleman-I know he Had to be a great husband,father,grandfather etc. I know you will all miss him Greatly
Skip & Pat Faulkner
Bradenton.Florida
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Irene DeSalvo Dumboski
Condolence:
Dear Anne and family,
I have so many good memories of Buddy. I remember after Aunt Josie died Buddy came to our house a lot. I remember just sitting in the yard and visiting. You and your family have my sincere smypathy. We are losing so many of our favorite cousins.
Much love, Irene
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Family_of: Grandpa
Your_Name: Joelle Reese (granddaughter)
Condolence:
Grandpa will be greatly missed. He was one of the most gentle, loving, kind and generous men I’ve ever known. Grandpa always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and his arms always open for a hug. I’ll never forget how he laughed while watching Hee Haw, and The Three Stooges. He loved to talk and just be around family and friends. He was the best grandpa, and a wonderful great-grandpa. I know he is in a wonderful place now, watching over all of us, our Guardian Angel. His smile, laughter, and love will always be with me in my heart.
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: BO & Alisha Damron
Condolence:
Dear Ann & family
our prayers are with you during this time of loss.Gus was a great man.I will always remember, he always called me “BO” when he saw me.He always had a smile on his face.I will miss seeing him at christmas and other family outings.
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Becky (DeSalvo) Lewandowski
Condolence:
Annie and family, our thought and prayers are with all of you at this time. Buddy, as Daddy called him, was a kind and wonderful person. Treasure all the love and beautiful memories, which will live forever in your hearts. May God give you the faith and strength you need in the days ahead. We love you,
Becky (Bob DeSalvo’s daughter)
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Deb and Peg Crawford
Condolence:
Just want to tell the Family our thoughts and prayers are with you all…We met Gus 3 years ago when my Mother started dialysis at The Mansfield Kidney Center, and Gus became a friend instantly!I had plenty of long conversations with Gus and he talked always about his Family,growing up in Arkansas, and his Love for the Lord. Gus will be missed deeply but we will always have the memories from the heart.
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Family_of: Uncle Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Joe and Rita Allison
Condolence:
Our love, prayers and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your loved one. He was a kind, gentle man and we treasure all the memories of the visits to Arkansas especially the last two times when you stayed with us and how we enjoyed our visit to Shelby in 2006. Be comforted knowing he is in heavenly peace. May Our Lord touch all of you with comfort and peace.
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Family_of: Gus deSalvo
Your_Name: mark and darlene coburn
Condolence:
we are truly sorry for your loss…our prayers are with you..mark and darlene coburn
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Rose Ella (Paladino) Beck
Condolence:
Dear Annie and Family,
We extend our sincere love and sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Mom loved Buddy dearly and always said he was like a “big brother” to her. I always thought he was a gentleman and I can never forget his kindness and that he always came by to visit Mom when you all were in Arkansas. He called my husband “Beck” and John thought it was neat that he always remembered his name. God bless and may you be comforted in your sorrow knowing that he is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Rose Ella and John Beck
(Amelia Paladino’s daughter)
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Family_of: Gus DeSalvo
Your_Name: Sandy K DeSalvo
Condolence:
Annie, Helen, Betty and Sandra;
Knwo that my prayers and thoughts are with you during this time, what a wonderful long life your Father had and how proud he was of all of you. There will never be a generation like this one! I am so glad that my Dad was able to see your Father a few years ago – he was very special to him. Just reflect on all the incredible memories you have of him.
My love and prayers;
Sandy (Bob and Dolly’s youngest daughter)