Albert P. "Bert" DeSalvo

91, of Saint Petersburg, Florida (formerly of Cranston, Rhode Island), passed away peacefully on Thursday May 18, 2017 with beloved son and grandson by his side.  Born in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, he was a devoted son to the late Pasquale and Frances (Gelardo) DeSalvo, and one of ten children.  He honorably served from 1943 to 1945, during the Second World War, under the leadership of the famous General George S. Patton. In 1945, Bert was injured during his time in Europe and received a Purple Heart. Since then, he has received numerous accolades both locally and in Washington, DC, for his time with the United States Army. Bert was the owner of six eateries throughout Rhode Island, including his most famous, Dagwoods Restaurant. After retiring from the restaurant business, Bert began a career as a painter to “keep busy”. Mostly, he spent his time traveling, gardening, swimming, listening to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, and entertaining for both, family and friends. He was a kind, and gentle soul, and a true American hero.

He was the treasured husband of the late Anne (Gemma) DeSalvo, and companion of Barbara Gibson.  He was the brother of the late Louis, John, James, Paul, and Patrick DeSalvo.

He is survived by his siblings; Carmine DeSalvo, of Cranston, Rhode Island, Rose Pike, of Skowhegan, Maine, Florence Barrington, of Skowhegan, Maine and Patricia Cappelli of Saint Petersburg, Florida, his son, Albert P. DeSalvo, Jr. (formerly of Peace Dale, Rhode Island) and daughter-in-law, Diane DeSalvo, his grandchildren; Derek (Christy Durant), Bert (Rebecca), and Marcia (John van Eekelen). He is also survived by four great-grandchildren who were the light of his life; Amara DeSalvo, Anthony DeSalvo, Celia DeSalvo, and Jack van Eekelen. Bert was also the adored uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A committal service will be held on Monday at 10:30 am in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at 10:15 am outside the main gates of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Bert’s names may be made to the Disabled American Veteran’s Foundation. Donations can be made directly via their website at www.dav.org or through contacting the Rhode Island chapter at 401-233-3685.