BEVERLY: Silvio A. “Sal” Salvanelli, 90, retired Beverly police officer, died peacefully Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House surrounded by his loving family and close friends. He was the husband of Judy L. (Whittaker) Salvanelli.
Born in Beverly on December 22, 1924, he was the son of the late Albert and Lena (Morbitelli) Salvanelli. A lifelong resident of Beverly, Sal was a graduate of Beverly High School class of 1942 and received his associate degree in criminal justice from North Shore Community College. Sal was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, where he served as a radio operator on merchant ships protecting military convoys going to Russia. He was transferred to the Pacific Theater and served with the 7th Fleet stationed in Leyte in the preparation of invading Japan.
Sal served his beloved city as a patrolman in the Beverly Police Department for thirty-three years, often seen in Ellis Square and Beverly Farms before his retirement in 1986. He had also once worked as a journeyman printer for the Salem News.
He loved sports and started and coached a 7th grade basketball team at the former Edwards School. He also managed little league teams for many years and as a result was inducted into the Little League Hall of Fame. He was proud to say that he attended almost every Beverly High School football game. Because of his distinguished career and commitment to Ryalside, he was to be the honorary Grand Marshall for this year's Fourth of July parade. He was also a member of the Vittori Rocci Post #56.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Mark Salvanelli and his wife, Lynanne of Middleton; his daughter, Sylvia Despres and her husband, Rick of Wakefield, NH; two step-daughters, Amy Norton and her husband, Lyle of Beverly and Joana Drumm and her husband, Bill of Danvers; eight grandchildren, Lyla, Marley, Olivia and Graham Norton, Jocelyn Drumm, Lisa Marie, Zachary and Gracie Carpenter; many nieces, nephews, extended family in Italy and many dear friends. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Gladys (Matson) Salvanelli and three brothers, Arthur, Renato and Robert Salvanelli.
His funeral service will be held on Tuesday in the Central Cemetery, Beverly at 11 a.m. Visiting hours will be held on Monday in the Grondin Funeral Home, 376 Cabot St., Beverly from 4 – 8 p.m. Sal’s celebration of life will continue on Tuesday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Vittori Rocci Post, 143 Brimbal Ave., Beverly. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Because of his passion for Beverly High football, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to B.H.S. Football Boosters, P.O. Box 246, Beverly, MA 01915.