Daniel J. Salvi, Sr.

Daniel J. Salvi, Sr.
Father, Grandpa, Teacher & Coach

“Adelio Giuseppi Salvucci”, aka Daniel J. Salvi, Sr. 91, died peacefully at his home at Lake Summerset, Davis, IL with his loving family surrounding him. Born February 27, 1923 to Italian immigrants, Peter and Caroline (Accorsi) Salvucci in Curtisville, PA. Lived most of his life in Rockford. Graduated from Rockford West in 1943 as a tool & dye apprentice. Served in the US Navy on the USS George F. Elliott from August 1943 until March 1946. Returned to Rockford and worked in the tool rooms of Burd Piston Ring, and American Cabinet. Married Mary Donnelli in 1948. In 1950, enrolled in Milton College, Milton, WI and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts in 1955. Obtained a Masters degree in Education from Northern Illinois University in 1968. Worked at Creamery Package in Fort Atkinson, WI as a design engineer until obtaining his first teaching job at New Milford Grade School in New Milford, IL. He taught and coached football, basketball, baseball and track from 1957 until 1965. In the fall of 1965, he transferred to Rockford East where he taught civics, history and Cooperative Education. He served as the assistant sophomore football coach through 1976 and head track coach through 1989. In his 23 years as track coach, the East E-Rabs captured 18 conference championships, 11 sectional crowns and 121 consecutive dual meets; a record that at the time of his retirement was second nationally to only one other team. The E-Rabs placed second in the State of Illinois in 1975, and were the only team at that time to have won the Madison West relays five different times. He was named by his peers, “Track Coach of the Year” 12 times and overall “Coach of the Year” twice. He was inducted into the Illinois Track Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987. To support his family; during the summer months he painted houses, barns and factories and ran various Rockford Park District programs. He was proud to be the only father/son coaching staff to have state champions in the shot put and pole vault. Retired June 1989 to his home at Lake Summerset where he worked in his woodshop, fished and tended to his lawn and garden. In retirement, he enjoyed visiting with his Amish friends in Cashton, WI and the competition of a friendly bocce game on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the Venetian Club. Volunteered for both the Senior and Special Olympics programs. Just as he was never afraid to provide his opinion on any topic, he also was not afraid to lend a helping hand whenever needed. He was a big man with a big heart! Survivors include twins; Dan Jr. (Carol) and Carol Layman, Madison, WI; son; Glen (Lee Etta Stumph) and daughter Susan Buckwalter (Vint); grandchildren Elizabeth Salvi of Chicago, Ed Layman (Molly) of Chicago, Amy Salvi (Joe Galluzzo) of Rockford, Nolen (Candice) Layman of Madison, WI and Christian Buckwalter of Rockford, great grand children Elizabeth and Ryan, brother, Angelo “Joe” Salvi and sister, Katherine Rinaldi, numerous sister and brother in laws and nieces and nephews from the Donnelli and Rinaldi families, daughter-in-law Sue Vincent Salvi, Barb Muno, friend who visited him regularly. Predeceased by his parents; former wife Mary Donnelli, and son-in-law Ed Layman. Memorials may be sent in his name to St. Elizabeth Center or the Salvation Army. Funeral Mass will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, October 30, 2014, in St. James Catholic Church with a private family burial to follow. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 29, 2014, from 4-8 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, and 2 p.m., prior to Mass, at St. James Catholic Church, on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. To express an online condolence, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com