Russel Joseph DeSalvo passed away peacefully at home, a few weeks before his 93rd birthday, on September 14, 2018 surrounded by love. A cherished son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and friend, he was known for his charisma in business, his ebullient, generous spirit, and his ability to make everyone feel special.
The youngest of seven children, Russel was born in Pittsburg, PA and was raised by his Sicilian immigrant parents in Cincinnati, Ohio. He spoke only Italian at home until he attended school at Sacred Heart, which seeded the foundation for his spiritual life. Summers in Florida as a clerk in a hotel helped him earn his tuition to complete his degree from University of Cincinnati in 1949. Accompanying friends across country, he eventually arrived in California entering into the travel field by working at the airport and in agencies. He settled in San Francisco where he met and married Lin (nee Eleanor McGrath) in 1956 after a six-month courtship and started a family.
An entrepreneur at heart, he opened the doors of his very successful business, DeSalvo Travel, in the early 60’s and enjoyed the adventure and discovery of traveling all over the world sharing this passion on many family trips. Throughout his 40-year career, he received numerous awards recognizing him as a pillar in the industry and ‘one of a kind’ to all his clients and colleagues.
Inspired by faith and service, in 1971 Russel embarked on a new mission as a co-founding member of Martin de Porres and a devoted volunteer in feeding the homeless for over 40 years. He was moved by connectedness and will be remembered by his laughter, and fun and loving nature, communicating this energy, enthusiasm, and joyfulness with all he met. He is survived by his three children, Stephanie, Allison, and Jeffrey, grandson Michael, son-in-law Carl, and many beloved nieces and nephews on both coasts. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 10th at 12:00 noon at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2390 Bush St., San Francisco, 94115. In lieu of flowers please donate to Martin de Porres House of Hospitality, 225 Potrero Street, San Francisco, 94103. Visit www.martindeporres.org for more information.
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