Paul Frederick Salvi

Although born in Boston, Paul grew up in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. He summered on the north shore in Ipswich, where his time there was nearly idyllic, as he relayed to his friends over and over again. If he wasn’t sailing or waterskiing, he was bodysurfing or planning clambakes. Paul absolutely loved life at the water’s edge, and of course, in Ipswich!

When the Vietnam War broke out in the 60s, Paul quickly enlisted in the army. He had previously graduated from a mechanical dentistry school in Boston, and during his army days, he received more advanced training. He enjoyed most every aspect of army life, especially when stationed at Fort Jay in Manhattan. He worked hard by day, but didn’t miss out on the night life. Paul met many celebrities during his time in New York and had such fun sharing his many stories!

After serving his country for 3 years, Paul returned to Ipswich where he set up a dental lab with his brother, John. Not long afterwards, Paul met Diane Martel. They dated for a few years and then married in 1970. They remained in Ipswich in a picture-postcard, 2-story cottage on the water where Plum Island and the Atlantic Ocean were just breaths away. After a while, the winters became too harsh, so Paul and Diane moved to Naples, Florida in 1981. Soon after their move, Paul joined Suncoast Dental Center where he managed the lab. He started at Suncoast in 1982 and remained there until his death. Over the years he developed very close friendships with many colleagues and really and truly looked forward to going to work. He said he enjoyed his job and always wanted to make people look like movie stars! It gave him immense pleasure to make all people happy, patients, family, friends and even strangers.

Diane and Kim met in 1986 and became best friends. Introduction to Paul came quickly and a lifelong friendship began. They played tennis, attempted golf, shopped together, dined out, went to the movies, practically lived at the beach on the weekends, and just enjoyed family and friends as much as possible. A recurring theme throughout the friendship was the approval process of whomever Kim was dating at the time. The stories provided endless entertainment for all at family gatherings! Paul was a devoted Catholic and found his church home at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Old Naples. He loved the first service, so no matter how active his Saturday night was, Paul was always in the pew at 7:30 a.m.

In 2014 Diane passed away and left a huge void for Paul. After nearly 50 years of marriage, his life abruptly changed. Many days ahead were a blur for everyone, but Paul looked forward and honored Diane in several ways with prayers and many Mass dedications over the years. She was a beautiful firecracker with a dazzling smile that everyone remembers.

Paul is survived by his second love, Kim Wilmore, and his sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Pinto and Anne Marie Salvi, as well as numerous loving cousins and extraordinary friends. Paul was preceded in death by his brother, John Salvi, Jr.

Paul’s love of life was evident in his every breath, every word, and every smile. If he smiled at you, your day was instantly better. If he hugged you, his warmth filled your heart. He was the sunshine and blue sky all wrapped up in a beautiful gift to all who knew him. One of Paul’s favorite things to say was, “Don’t you think the sky is extra blue today?” So, when you see an extra blue sky, remember Paul’s joy, bright light, big smile, and his eternal love for God, country, family, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Ann Catholic Church on Saturday June 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM with interment to follow at Naples Memorial Gardens.