of Little Rock, AR
September 24, 1923 - August 16, 2014
Joe F. DeSalvo, 90, of Little Rock died August 16, 2014. He was born September 24, 1923 to Frank and Angelina Paladino DeSalvo in Chicago, IL. The family moved to Center Ridge, AR when Joe was an infant. He attended school in Center Ridge.
At a young age, Joe moved to Little Rock to help support his family. He began his career as a clothing salesman and later vice president at Howard Cohn's on Main Street in Little Rock before pursuing his passion in forming a business in homebuilding and developing in the west Little Rock area. Joe was a life director of The Home Builders' Association of Greater Little Rock.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, LaVerne DeSalvo and Louise Cimorelli.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years and the love of his life, Dorothy; a daughter, Donna McKinley (Lloyd); a son, Robert A. DeSalvo; four grandchildren: Kimberly McKeller (Doug), Matthew, Christian, and Michael DeSalvo; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Center Ridge, AR. The family will receive friends from 5:30 P.M. 7:00 P.M., Tuesday at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501)224-8300.
The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice for their care and support and Yvonna Linder for her caring and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116 or to The Altar Society, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 343 Catholic Point Road, Center Ridge, AR 72027.
Dorothy, we were so sad to here of Joe's passing. You both have been such a good part of our lives in business and in family. We loved the conversations we've had when you both came in to eat. Politics, markets and family - always lively and fun. You should know you've always been missed when you were not there. I hope Jim and I can match the love and devotion that you two shared with each other. Joe and you have made our lives better, I know heaven is a little brighter than it was. Love and Prayers.
Jim, Patsy and the crew at Schlotzsky's.
I was so sadden tonight when mom called and told me about Joe. I feel as though I was part of this family for a long time. I remember the countless hours we spent talking and all the wonderful and amazing stories he shared. I love you guys and I know Joe is at peace and will be watching over each one of you with that proud look he always had. I love you guys and will be praying for you all.
Robert, you and your entire family remain in our prayers.
God our Father, Your power bring us to birth, Your Providence guides our lives, and by Your command we return to You.
Lord, your faithful departed live in your presence; their lives change but do not end.
In company with Christ who died and now lives, may Mr DeSalvo rejoice in Your kingdom where all tears are wiped away.
In Your time, guide all the DeSalvos to eternal life with You where they may all be united together again to sing Your praise forever and ever amen!
In every respect, Joe was Christ's carpenter on earth.
A Prayer for the DeSalvo Family
We seem to give them back to thee, O God, who gavest them first to us. Yet a thou didst not lose them in giving, so do we not lose them by their return. Not as the world giveth, givest thou, O Lover of souls. What thou givest, thou takest not away, for what is thine is ours also if we are thine.
And life is eternal and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing, save the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God, that we may see further; cleanse our eyes that we may see more clearly; draw us closer to thyself that we may know ourselves to be nearer to our loved ones who are with thee. And while thou dost prepare a place for us, prepare us also for that happy place, that where thou are we may be also for evermore.
Dorothy, sending love and sympathy!
This picture reminds me of the man I knew as a young Interior Designer at Mechanics Lumber so many years ago. He walked in with a twinkle in his eye, always business and the kindness man you would ever meet. He knew his craft and was known for his expertise in his field for quality, beauty and reliability. Mrs. Dorothy, Rob and Donna, I know your heart is breaking and your loss is indescribable, but God is surrounding you with love and peace to get you through these days and the next to come without Mr. Joe. May his peace comfort all of you. Matt, Christian and Michael know how much you were loved! I've had Mr. Joe in my prayers for a long time, now Rob, Mrs. Dorothy and boys I'll say special ones for you. God Bless and comfort you. ~Che
Dear Dorothy, Donna & Robert --
I have been blessed to know Mr. Joe, even if for a short time. His smile was electric and always made me smile inside. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of walking a step on his journey. He was an amazing man.
Chaplain Deborah Halter
Arkansas Hospice
So sorry for your loss Dorothy. We will be praying for you and the family to get you through the next few days. Alice & Dick and Lynn Hailey
This month marks 40 years since Joe built this house in Echo Valley. I shall never forget his kindness, work ethic, and talent. God be with the family during this difficult time.
Donna Foss (name was Payne in 1974)
My thoughts and prayer for Dorothy and Family. I met Joe and Dorothy 40 years ago when I was selling Real Estate. I sold several of the beautiful homes that he built and made a new friend. He was always such a gentleman and will be missed.
Mrs. DeSalvo: So sorry for your loss. I know you loved him so - it was evident in the way you talked about him. Ronnie and I will pray for you and your family. We are your Sunday friends from Wendy's!
Gaye Knight
Dear Dorothy and family,
Joe loved you all so much and y'all loved him back. Such a beautiful family and legacy. Proud to have known him and loved the man too. We will miss him and never forget.
-Casey
Joe was a very special person and patient to us. Our sympathies to Dorothy and the rest of the family. He is in a better place and is looking after all of us.
God Bless you.
Erin Powell and Dr. William Rollefson
What an amazing man. I feel so lucky to have known Joe. His outlook on life was unmatched and his smile was infectious. He left his mark, that's for sure....And he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
I do not believe Acme Brick Company ever had a more loyal customer than Joe DeSalvo. He was a wonderful friend and the best of the best. Our deepest sympathy to the entire DeSalvo family.
Dear Robert, In my tribulations, you and your Mom Dad were like family to me. I will see you at both events. Love, Bobby
Dorothy and family,,
We share in your grief. We thought so much of Joe and our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. He was a remarkable man.
Jack and Betty
My Uncle Joe was an incredible man who came from humble beginnings in Center Ridge, came to Little Rock, found the girl of his dreams in Aunt Dorothy, and, over time, had two wonderful children, and became a most successful developer. I cherish all my memories of him and respected and loved him so very much.