Douglas Eric DeSalvo

Doug was born in Tarrytown, NY on September 12, 1968, the 2nd child of Pat (nka Cavelius) and Frank DeSalvo (deceased 2020). He grew up in Peekskill and Chappaqua, NY. He attended Horace Greeley HS before transferring to The Gunnery (’87). He earned his BA in philosophy from Radford Univ (’94). In 2010 he relocated to North Carolina where he soon met his wife Mitzi.

Doug pursued his car racing passion, which he shared with his brother Chris and friend Mike, throughout his career. He worked in the automotive industry at several dealerships in MA and NC where he eventually managed the regional wholesale auto parts business.

Doug was intellectually curious, particularly about astrophysics, unexplained phenomena and kinetics. He challenged each of us to think outside the box too about our own lives and the world around us. After his knees sidelined his soccer career, he became an avid disc golfer for many years, winning several tournaments. We all played his pinball machine. Fittingly, Doug retired with the highest score! Whether by unicycle, or the bowling shoes he wore to his HS graduation, or hearse (his 1st car), Doug traveled his own path in life.

We all love Doug’s infectious smile and humor. His special gift was his ability to develop deep relationships with family and friends through his presence, openness and compassion.

Mitzi, his loving wife who cared for him and was his true companion, survives him. With no children of his own, he was quick to treat his stepchildren and their spouses, Janelle (Derek), Erica (Ryan) and Justin (Monica), as his own. Some of the greatest joy he experienced in his later years came from his grandchildren, Roux, Finn and Eric. Refusing to be defined by his illness, he moved to the beach, built a pool, where he and Mitzi entertained their families regularly.

He is survived by his mother Pat, siblings Chris (Lindsey), Donna (John Jordan), Carla Floratos and Steve (Cathy) as well as several nieces & nephews, and his lifelong friend Michael Barr.

Though we all tried to support him along his ALS journey, he really supported us: bringing us together and enriching our lives. Rest in peace Doug, you live in our hearts and help us smile through the tears.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to:

The ALS Association (North Carolina Chapter)

4 N. Blount Street (Suite 200)

Raleigh, NC 27601

https://donate.als.org/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitefuneralservicesupply.com for the DeSalvo family.

White Funeral and Cremation Service 603 Ocean Highway Bolivia, NC 28422