Thomas J Salvatore

Tom was a first generation Italian-American, born in Brooklyn, NY to the late Dominick and Marie Salvatore. The youngest of 7 children, Tom was a United States Veteran. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a Financial Officer at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri and had the honor of being selected for the U.S. Army Men's Bowling Team. During his time in service, he met and fell in love with his wife Dorothy, who he recently celebrated his 64th Wedding Anniversary with.

In 1968, they relocated from Babylon NY to Culver Lake in Branchville, NJ, where they lovingly raised their two children, Thomas Jr. and Lynn Ann. It was here that they met their most cherished friends—the late Edwin and Audrey Calvin, with whom they shared much of their life in New Jersey before later purchasing side by side property in Colonial Charters Estates in Longs, South Carolina. In New Jersey, you could find Tom and Ed flipping pancakes at the men’s club breakfast, golfing every Sunday at Robin’s Nest, or somewhere on the lake with skis on their feet. In South Carolina, many rounds of golf continued to be played and incredible memories made while Tom served multiple terms as President of the Homeowners Association.

After his time in service, Tom went on to become Executive Vice President in charge of Operations at Seamen's Savings Bank on Wall Street in New York City for 25 years, during which time he graduated from Brown University with his degree in Finance, in 1976. He later accepted a position as Executive V.P. at Flushing Savings Bank. In 1985, Tom shifted gears and ventured into Real Estate just prior to moving to South Carolina. Once established in the area, he would go on to have a lustrous Real Estate career at Re/Max Southern Shores beside the late Imogene Currin, later retiring in 2018 from Century 21 Thomas in Cherry Grove, South Carolina.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, son Thomas (Melissa), daughter, Lynn Ann, and his Sister, Gloria. He was a proud Papa/Poppa/PopPop to Lanessa (Kelsey), Adrianne, Colleen and Eleanor, and to his additional grandchildren, Miriam (Dwayne), Kelsi, Jessica, Brandi, Adam and Sarah. He was also a great-grandfather of 5, a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and a father figure for too many to count.

Tom made sure to encourage those around him at every opportunity—telling his loved ones even in his last days to “keep your head up”. His first concern was never himself but those he cared for—a proud father, he always managed to be at every event, regardless of his work schedule: recitals, sports events (even scrimmages), award ceremonies, and more. He even made time for children that he didn’t know, regularly working alongside Jill Bramblett, formerly of McLeod Health Foundation, to curate large fundraisers for The Children’s Miracle Network for 15 years by founding and coordinating the annual CMN golf tournament at Colonial Charters.

Throughout all of it, Tom always brought a smile to the faces of those he loved. He kept perfectly timed jokes, winks, and smirks up his sleeve for any occasion—family dinners were never silent affairs, but filled with joy and laughter as he inquired about everyone’s day. If an ear was needed, Tom was there to listen, provide advice and guidance, and he was always ready to do everything he could to ensure his loved ones were able to follow through with their dreams and aspirations. At the heart of this beautiful life, and all the adoration he provided to his children, his wife Dorothy was his greatest love of all—something that anyone looking at the two of them knew without a doubt. Whether it was his quiet smile as he looked at her laughing with their children and grandchildren or the way he sang perfectly off key in her ear between silly whispers while they danced together, as much as he could bring light to others, it was always her that brought light to him.

The family would like to express their debt of gratitude to Pam, Lauren, and Michellie of Seacoast McLeod Hospice, for their unwavering dedication to the incredible care that he received in his final days as well as to Leona and Tavia of Griswold’s care team for the tender warmth and love they brought to Tom and Dorothy’s home in the years leading up to Tom’s decline.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Chris's Pizza & Pub at 170 Surfrider Blvd in Longs, SC on Monday, February 10, 2025 from 7 until 9 p.m., where the family will look forward to receiving friends, family and former colleagues.

Private Cremation is being handled by Lee Funeral Home of Little River, South Carolina.