Victor DeSalvo

Victor DeSalvo, of Syosset, NY, passed away on May 15, 2023, at the amazing age of 102. Victor was born on July 14th, 1920, in the East New York section of Brooklyn to Anna and Philip DeSalvo. Victor was nicknamed “Shadow” by his childhood friends because of his small stature. He attended Boy’s High School in Brooklyn but had to leave to help support his family. Victor loved school, and was a very intelligent man.
Victor met the love of his life, Elizabeth Butterweck in 1948. They married in 1950 at St. Sylvester’s Church. Victor and Elizabeth remained married for over 60 years until Elizabeth’s passing in 2011. Victor and Elizabeth built a house in Syosset and moved to Venus Road in 1954 where he remained until after he was 100 years old. They became parishioners at Our Lady of Mercy, RC Church and both became very active in the church. All four of their children attended grammar school at Our Lady of Mercy School. Victor was an active member of The Holy Name Society as well as a 4th Degree Knight in the Joseph F. Lamb Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Victor was a very religious man. He attended mass every Sunday, often did Novena’s, and prayed every morning and night. Victor read the Bible most nights before bed. He read the entire Bible more than two times in his life. He always prayed to Mary, Mother Cabrini, St. Theresa, St. Jude, and St. Francis. He said a prayer to the Sacred Heart every morning and carried his rosary beads in his pocket.
Victor spent most of his working career at the Daily News as a Stereotyper and, as technology progressed, became a Photoengraver. He worked nights and overtime to support his family, the most important people in his life.
Victor had a lifelong love of horses which began when he worked at the stables as a youth. His passion for horses continued his entire life. Victor was also an avid coin collector, focusing on coins from the United States. He would spend hours looking at coins, and often found little treasures just from change from a store. Victor enjoyed playing many different card games, bocce, and lotto. He was an overall Handyman and was especially talented as a do-it-yourself car mechanic.
Victor’s biggest joy was watching baseball. Victor was one of the original Met fans, and he watched the Mets until his last days. In his last years, baseball was what he looked forward to every day. He was probably The Mets’ oldest dedicated fan.
Victor is best known for his outgoing personality. He could talk to anyone about anything. Victor was the life of the party, whether it was playing the wooden sticks (claves), singing a funny song, or smoothly dancing on the dance floor, he would make sure to entertain you. Victor would always put a smile on your face. He will be missed by many.
Victor is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth DeSalvo, grandson, Kenneth DeSalvo, and sister, Ann Calandra. Victor is survived by his three sons, Philip DeSalvo and wife Joan DeSalvo, Victor DeSalvo Jr., and wife Phyllis DeSalvo, Christian DeSalvo and wife Adrienne DeSalvo, and daughter Catherine Winburn and husband Simeon Winburn; his grandchildren Daniel DeSalvo and wife Julie DeSalvo, Antoinette Alvano and husband Carl Alvano, Michael DeSalvo and wife Candice DeSalvo, Victoria DeSalvo, Nicole Basil and husband Nicholas Basil, Marcus Winburn, Christina Winburn and Nicholas Winburn. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Lucian Alvano, Aila Alvano, Eden Alvano, Aria DeSalvo, and Liam Basil. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.