Mario John Salvi

Mario John Salvi, aged 100, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2026, with his beloved daughter, Debbie, at his side. A resident of Naples, Florida, for 30 years, Mario lived a remarkable life defined by courage, faith, family, service, and character.

Born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Michael and Mary Salvi, Mario joined the United States Army at 17. During World War II, he fought in the Rhineland Campaign, where he was wounded in combat. He was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Star Medals.

After returning home, Mario graduated from the University of Virginia and continued his education through the American Institute of Banking. He began as a teller at First National Bank of McKeesport and retired after 45 years in banking as an EquiBank Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, and Area Manager.

Mario was the devoted husband of Geraldine Salvi, his childhood sweetheart. They shared 71 years of marriage until her passing in 2019, building a life grounded in Catholic faith, love, and commitment to family.

Mario treasured time with family and friends at their summer home in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He enjoyed shooting pool, reading, concerts, Ligonier Days, and cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. In retirement, he devoted himself to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mario was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine; son, Raymond M. Salvi; and brothers, Samuel, Angelo, James, John, Ernest, Anthony, Michael, and Rudy.

He is survived by his daughter, Deborah L. Kopko; grandchildren Rona Villard, Craig Kopko and his wife, Chantel; great-grandchildren Christopher Ray, Macson, Terrence, Jada Rose, Cheyenne, Harper, Mariah, and Malia; great-great-granddaughters Nalaia and Naiari; and sisters Anna Marie Hall and Lucille Hodge.

Mario’s life demonstrated the lasting impact one person can have by consistently living with courage, faith, responsibility, commitment, and character. His example will continue through the family he loved and the generations he helped shape.

A private family visitation will be held Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, Florida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Avenue North, Naples, Florida.

Mario will be laid to rest with military honors at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida, on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be livestreamed at https://sjecc.org/funeral-mass/. The livestream will become available approximately 10 minutes before the Mass begins.

Visitation will be held at Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park, 12777 State Road 82, Fort Myers, FL 33913, US, on September 9, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.

A Funeral Service will be held at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 625 111th Ave N, Naples, FL 34108, US, on September 9, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.