Kenneth Edward "Sam" DeSalvo

July 31, 1944 - March 28, 2020

Kenneth Edward “Sam” DeSalvo, age 75, of Center Ridge, passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020. He was born July 31, 1944 in Morrilton, a son of the late Edward A. DeSalvo and the late Teresa Andrews DeSalvo. Sam was a retired truck driver for Allison Cattle Company and a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He traveled many miles and had so many friendships with so many people that has lasted a lifetime. Anybody that knew Sam knew that he was a strong, stubborn, quick witted gentle giant. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. His family was his life and he kept up with all his family, especially his nieces and nephews, all the time to keep everyone straight. Sam was an avid fisherman spending many years boat fishing on Baker Lake, catching big messes and having fish frys. He was the sausage making king known all across the country as making the best Italian sausage and people came from everywhere just to get a taste. Kyle started helping his Uncle Sam make sausage as a little boy and they spent many years in Sam’s smokehouse. As with his siblings and mother, he was a fantastic cook, always firing up his green egg making the best ribs. Our family’s hearts are broken, but blessed to have been a part of this great man’s life. Survivors include sisters: Mary Joyce Maus of Morrilton, Jackie Tester of Little Rock, Barbara (George) Moore of Center Ridge, and Alice (Eddie) Riedmueller of Center Ridge; brother: Wayne (Regina) DeSalvo of Center Ridge; and a host of special nieces, nephews, and friends. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by brother: Steve DeSalvo; brothers-in-law: Bernard Maus and M.L. Tester; and nephew: Jeff Maus. Private graveside service will be Tuesday, March 31, 2020 at St. Joseph Cemetery with Father Jack Harris officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Joseph Cemetery Fund.