It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Patriarch of our family, Sam “Salvatore” DeSalvo on Monday, July 1, 2019, at the age of 87. Born in Andover, Massachusetts on May 20, 1932, he was the son of the late Francesca and Giuseppe DeSalvo.
Sam was the youngest of four children all of whom have predeceased him: Grace, John and Larry. He was also the grandfather of the late Brian DeSalvo.
After honorably serving in the United States Army, Sam started his professional career in Code Enforcement working as a Local Building Inspector for the Town of Andover, MA. His hard work paid off as he was appointed Inspector of Buildings. In 1979 Sam was elected to the Massachusetts Building Commissioners and Inspectors Association, Inc. Board of Directors. In 1983, Sam was elected Vice-President, and in 1985 achieved the Associations highest honor, being elected President. Sam served on the ESBOF Board of Directors for over 16 years and was elected its President from 1991-1992. In addition, Sam served on the New England Building Officials Education Association Committee for 16 years.
Nothing meant more to Sam than spending time with family, especially time spent with his grandchildren. Whether he was playing a card game, golfing, attending a baseball or softball game, dance recitals, bundled up on a soccer field or attending endless family celebrations and summer vacations, Sam always had a smile on his face and was beaming with pride.
Sam will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 61 years Elaine (Dumont) DeSalvo, children, Stephen of Methuen, MA, Michael and his wife Mary of Lawrence, MA, Laurie Plouffe and her husband Ron of Haverhill, MA and Andrew and his wife Cindy of Windham, NH. He also leaves grandchildren, Tony and his wife Meghan, Joseph, Samantha and her fiancé Nick Hegge, Christopher, Michaela, Brianna, Adam and great grandchildren, Adalynn and Emma.
He will also be forever remembered by his extended family and many close friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover on Thursday July 11, 2019, at 10:00 am. Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Wednesday July 10, 2019, from 3 to 7 pm. Interment will be held in the St. Augustine Cemetery in Andover. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the name of Sam DeSalvo may be made to an organization that Sam felt very passionate about, The Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA. 02114. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.