Ralph G. Salvagno

Ralph G. Salvagno, of Bowie, Maryland, died April 25 after a short illness, surrounded by his wife and children. He is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Marion, children Dr. Ralph T. Salvagno (Tracy) of Hancock, MD; Michael Salvagno (Karen) of Columbus, OH; Lisa Reilly (John) of New Milford, CT and Linda Johnson (Ronnie) of Bowie, MD, fourteen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Ralph grew up in Providence, Rhode Island where he attended Brown University. His studies at Brown were interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the 3rd Marine Division as a Communications Officer, as well as frequent military maneuvers in Japan and the Far East. He resumed his studies at Brown, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree and later received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He maintained his active duty for the Marine Corp serving in the Reserves attaining the rank of Captain. He married Marion Lois Tucker in 1953. They moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1959 where he began a 30 year career in the Federal Government as a Training Director for the Social Security Administration. In 1962 they moved to Baltimore and then finally settled in Bowie, Maryland in 1966. Following his work with the Government he was self-employed for 15 years as a Training Consultant for independent business and government clients.

His duty in the Marines was one of his proudest accomplishments as well as his membership in the Knights of Columbus as a Faithful Navigator for the St. John N. Neumann Assembly of Bowie. He was an active volunteer throughout the years with service to National Children’s Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Tulip Grove Elementary PTA President, and the American Cancer Society and American Lung Association.

Ralph spent his well-earned retirement with his favorite companion, wife Marion. They traveled to Italy, enjoyed cruises to the Mediterranean, took weekend trips to various places on the East and West Coasts, and visited with family and friends. In recent years, he and Marion enjoyed the winter months at their second home in Naples, Florida. He was a loving and loyal husband, and a generous, loving and dedicated father.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287 are appreciated..

Family will receive friends at the Robert E. Evans Funeral Home, 16000 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 from 7 to 9pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Bowie, MD.