Richard V. DeSalvo

Richard V. DeSalvo was born 97 years ago, on August 7, 1926, in Center Ridge, Arkansas, to Joe Luke and Mary Rossi DeSalvo. He peacefully left this life on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at his home in Center Ridge with his daughters around him. We know without a doubt that Jesus welcomed His faithful servant home with open arms, a smile, and a hug. We also know without a doubt his sweetheart, Cecilia, was there to welcome him home. He was a veteran of the United States Army, 82nd Airborne Division, and 325th Glider Infantry Division, proudly serving in World War II and the Korean War. He served in the European Theater during World War II as the aimer lead man on a mortar team and attained the rank of Sergeant. After the war ended, he was sent to New York City where he marched in the ticker tape parade. He was called back up to active duty during the Korean War and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, as a pharmacist on base. His first daughter, Janie, was born while he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, and she paved the way for his next 8 daughters. In 2013, he was invited to attend the Honor Flight in recognition of his service to his country and he and his daughter, Ellen, traveled to Washington, D.C. for his celebration. He was also presented with a Quilts of Valor by the local chapter. He asked Ellen to move in with him and she was a true blessing in his life. They enjoyed many of the same things and forged an unbreakable bond. Her sisters want to thank her for taking such good care of him, giving him companionship, and bringing so much joy to him over the last 8 ½ years. He surely loved his El. Upon returning home to Center Ridge after WWII, he was accepted into Pharmacy school at the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, graduating in 1950 with his Pharmacy degree. He played on the college baseball team as a catcher and played on semi-pro teams during the summers. He especially enjoyed watching two of Natalie and Gary’s sons follow in his footsteps playing baseball for the University of the Ozarks. After graduating he worked as a pharmacist in Little Rock, Conway, and Perryville, before opening DeSalvo Pharmacy in Morrilton, which he owned for 32 years before retiring. His daughter, Laura, worked at the pharmacy with him and many of his former customers still ask her about him, sharing stories with her of his generosity and kindness toward them over the years. Richard and Cecilia had 9 daughters and he was a self-proclaimed “female specialist”. They raised their family in Morrilton where they were faithful and active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church until moving back to Center Ridge. He served on the Sacred Heart Parish Council and the Sacred Heart School Board. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and held the offices of Grand Knight and Financial Secretary. After returning to Center Ridge, they were very active members of their childhood parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, where he served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. He was a well-known face at the annual Spaghetti Dinners where he sold dinner tickets for many years. The thing Richard treasured most of all was being with his family. He was always quick with a comforting word in times of need, an ear to listen, sage advice, and just his steady and strong presence. He loved nothing more than holding the new babies born into the family. He led his family through his examples of unwavering faith, strong character, a sense of humor, and unconditional love. He taught his children and grandchildren how to face adversity head-on “Whatcha gonna do? Buck up and deal with it as it comes”. He made sure each one of us was left with a special memory of him that is unique to only our relationship with him. He looked forward to Joelle, his caboose, sending him a kiss on the forehead on nights she couldn’t be with him in person. He had a sweet tooth almost as big as his heart, and he spent many hours trying to teach Celeste how to make biscotti. He loved and cherished each member of his large family, and his and Cecilia’s legacy of love will continue for years and generations to come. He was a special man. He enjoyed many other things in life: deer camp and a good poker game with the West Fork Hunting Club, turkey and dove hunting, playing golf, making homemade wine for the family and his grandchildren’s weddings (Terri was his keeper of the wine inventory), a good gin and tonic and red beer in the summer, gardening, working on his farm, and watching just about any kind of sports and westerns on TV. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Jane and Howard Yates, Ellen Johnston, Terri and Rickey George, Laura and Edward Moore, Celeste and Ray Bailey, Natalie and Gary Beck, and Joelle and Todd Lowder; 21 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Lorene Dumboski and Minnie (Buddy) Hoelzeman; sisters-in-law Betty Jo DeSalvo and Anne Andrews, brother-in-law Ray Andrews; a host of nieces and nephews and friends, many of whom looked to him as their second Dad. “Lawdy, Lawdy Miss Claudie” was also a valued member of the family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cecilia Andrews DeSalvo; 2 daughters, Alicia Carole and Mary Cecilia; grandson, Joseph Batchelor; son-in-law, Lynn Batchelor; brothers, Ed, Vince, Bob, Gene, and Paul DeSalvo; sisters, Amelia Paladino, Julia Paladino, and Irene Dumboski. He charmed and won the hearts of many medical providers over the last few years. His daughters wish to thank Dr. Bart Throneberry, Dr. Mary Jo Shaver, Dr. Sue Tsuda; and Katelyn, Courtney, Jeri and Angela with Hospice Home Care for the loving care they took of Richard. They called him their “super human” patient. A very special thanks to Father Jack Harris for his friendship and spiritual guidance over the years. The pallbearers will be grandsons: Richie Tanner, Kyle Johnston, Frankey Clayton, Joshua Moore, James Batchelor, Wade Beck, Tyler Loughridge, and nephew Paul David Charton. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the West Fork Hunting Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Sacred Heart School Endowment in Morrilton, Arkansas, St. Joseph Church in Center Ridge, Arkansas, St. Joseph School Endowment Anthony Joseph Batchelor Current Needs Fund in Conway, Arkansas, or www.JoeBearapparel.com (non-profit foundation established in memory of Joseph Batchelor, grandson, whose dream it was to start a business and donate profits to Alzheimer's research in memory of his Nonna). Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton on Wednesday, August 30, with visitation immediately following. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Center Ridge on Thursday, August 31, with Father Jack Harris presiding. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Richard V. DeSalvo

August 7, 1926 - August 27, 2023