Jerry M. LaSalvia

Jerry M. LaSalvia, 87, of Canonsburg passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2016 in Townview Rehabilitation Center in Canonsburg following a three month illness.

He was born on April 15, 1929 in Canonsburg to Vincenzo and Sevario Reine LaSalvia, who preceded him in death.

On May 5, 1948 he married Hazel Koren, who survives, and spent his entire life in the Canonsburg area.

Mr. LaSalvia entered the United States Navy at the age of 14 in August of 1944 and was immediately recruited into the elite Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) #172, a forerunner of today’s Special Operations SEAL teams.   Tours of duty included the European and Pacific Theaters, as well the Korean Peninsula.  He left the service in October of 1951 as a decorated veteran of two wars at the youthful age of 21.

Mr. LaSalvia was a machinist at Forbes Steel and retired after 39 years to pursue other opportunities in law enforcement. He served as a police officer in Peters Township, Houston Borough and at Mingo Creek County Park.  Additionally, he dutifully served as an elected Constable in Washington County area for over 60 years and a term as a Canonsburg Borough Councilman.   Mr. LaSalvia was a member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and VFW Post 191. He served as an usher at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church for many years.

Citizens of Canonsburg will remember him for his unselfish, volunteer service to the towns July 4th celebrations.  Known as “Crazy Jerry”, a member of a hi-jinx clown diving act at local pools, he helped his diving teammates entertain thousands during the towns 4th of July festivities.   But most of all, he will be remembered as the colorful, “star-spangled” traffic control officer during the 4th of July parade celebration, manning the Iron Street/Pike Street intersection for over 55 years.

Mr. LaSalvia was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and time in the woods with his grandchildren. He enjoyed old black and white cowboy movies and reminiscing about his time in the war(s). He shared war stories with anyone he’d meet.  Above all, he was a family man who loved his family dearly.

In addition to his beloved wife Hazel, he is survived by three sons; Jim M. LaSalvia (Chris) of Dayton, Ohio, Jerry LaSalvia (Fran) of Tionesta, PA and Dino LaSalvia (Julie) of Canonsburg; six grandchildren, Jimmy LaSalvia, Jr., Deidre (LaSalvia) Staso, Matt (Kari) LaSalvia, Steven (Robyn) LaSalvia, Christa (Chad) Beattie and Jason Danley; and five great-grandchildren, Hunter, Morgan, Taylor and Nathan LaSalvia and Austin Beattie.

Also surviving is a grand dog, Kona.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, August “Augie”, Carl, and Albert LaSalvia; and three sisters, Mary Siciliano, Rose Donnelly and Margaret Salone.

Friends are welcome from 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM on Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Lin Webb funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120 where departing prayers will begin at 9:30 AM on Friday, June 3, 2016. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:00 AM in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Interment, with full military rites accorded by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 Honor Guard, will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray.