Angelo Joseph Salvi

Angelo Joseph Salvi
Brother, Uncle and Radio Icon

“Angelo Giuseppi Salvucci”, aka Joe Salvi, or Papa Joe, 98, died peacefully on January 28, 2020 at his home at WLUV radio station. Born May 18, 1921 to Italian immigrants, Peter and Caroline (Accorsi) Salvucci in Russlleton, PA. Lived most of his life in Rockford. Graduated from Rockford Central in 1939 and entered the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs). Served in the Army’s European Theatre of the Battle of the Bulge. His love of ham radio as a child led him to Chicago where he graduated from Chicago’s Columbia College of Radio.

Following graduation, he launched his radio career in Logan, WV and various jobs in Colorado Springs, CO and Sacramento, CA. In 1962, he learned he was awarded a license from the FCC to broadcast in his hometown of Rockford, IL. Hence, his baby WLUV 1520 AM was born! It was Rockford’s first country western radio station, where country music lovers could hear Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell and Dolly Parton along with his eclectic taste for Mitch Miller and show tunes. Then in 1968 he got the license for 96.7 FM where again, he was the first to play Rockford’s coolest black soul music. Most recently in 2015 he obtained the license for 105.3 FM.

WLUV was the training ground for so many young DJs in the area. He was so proud to be the only one in the area to bring his listeners NASCAR racing and St. Louis Cardinals games. Always seen with his cowboy hat, he was the “King” of Country Western music in Rockford, IL!

When he wasn’t on the air, he was gardening or visiting his friends at the Potato Shack and Sisters Café. He also loved his dogs Ryan, Snowball and Cosmo.

Survivors include his WLUV listeners, dear and loving friend, Virgie Lameyer; sister, Katherine Salvi Rinaldi; numerous nieces and nephews, Christine Swanberg (Jeffrey), Dan Salvi Jr. (Carol), Carol Layman, Glen Salvi (Lee Etta Stumph), Susan Buckwalter (Vint); graced with five great nieces and nephews and a great-great niece and nephew. Predeceased by his parents Peter and Caroline Salvi; brother, Daniel Salvi, Sr.; brother-in-law, Geno Rinaldi; nephew, Mark Rinaldi and niece’s husband, Ed Layman. The family wishes to thank Buddy Stevens for keeping WLUV on the air during Joe’s declining health, and those that provided kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Milestone, Inc, 4060 McFarland Road, Loves Park, IL 61111. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 North Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL with the Rev. David E. Beauvais officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until start of service. Burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. To express condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com