Ernest V. Salvi, 83, Altoona, died Sunday at home, surrounded by his family after an extended illness. Ernie was born in McKeesport, PA, the son of the late Michael and Marie (Verno) Salvi, immigrants from Abruzzo, Italy. On October 30, 1954, he married Marcella (Bator) and the couple have 5 children, Vincent (Anita) of Sykesville, MD, Damian (Diane) of York, PA, Christine (Mark) Myers, Joan (Randy) Donnelly and Pamela (Steve) Brumbaugh all of Altoona, PA. In addition he leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 7 brothers and 2 sisters.
In 1987, after 32 years of service, Ernie retired from Baltimore Life Insurance Company where he was employed as a district manager in Altoona. During his tenure with the company he was honored with various awards and was actively involved in the local Altoona’s Life Underwriters Association, including serving as President and a member of various committees. Following his retirement, he was self-employed as a general contractor and started his own business, called Ernie’s Bingo Supplies.
Ernie led a life full of diversified service and commitment to his country, community, church and family. A veteran of the Korean Conflict, he served 4 years with the United States Marine Corps. Ernie was an active member of the Catholic War Veterans Association. He worked 10 years as a volunteer for the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant. He was a parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, president of Parish Council, Holy Name Society, Finance Council and Athletic Association, which he was instrumental in organizing.
He held his 4th degree Knight of Columbus. In addition, Ernie contributed a wealth of time on the maintenance committee volunteering his talents for numerous construction projects, including school renovations and the Walk of Faith, a memorial to the members of St. Rose and their families. Together, Ernie and his wife, Marcella managed the St. Rose Bingo for over 45 years, raising millions of dollars for the parish school and making a Catholic education possible for generations of students. In 2005 he was awarded “Man of the Year†by Governor Ed Rendell recognizing him for his unselfish contributions to the local community. In 2005, he was awarded the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award by the Bishop of the Altoona Johnstown Diocese for his contribution to the growth of Saint Rose of Lima School and Church.
Other interests of Ernie’s included bowling, playing cards, cooking, entertaining friends, and spending time with his family, especially during their annual family vacations. His family, as well as anyone who entered into his life, is gifted with his love, generosity, support and selfless service that he so willingly made a part of his life.
Friends will be received from 2-8 pm, Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at The Stevens Mortuary, Inc., 1421 8th Avenue, Altoona, PA where a vigil for the deceased will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Thursday, June 27, 2013 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Committal will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The St. Rose of Lima School, 5519 6th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602 or Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, 2400 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602. |