Louis "Lou" P. Salvati

Louis “Lou” P. Salvati, 98, of Hopewell Township, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

He was born on January 11, 1927, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to the late Luigi and Fernanda Mary (Ruscitti) Salvati.

After graduating from Aliquippa High School, Lou worked at Jones and Laughlin Steel Corporation, while taking courses at the University of Pittsburgh.

Answering the call to serve his country, Lou joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1945, serving a tour in the Philippines. He continued his military service with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, retiring in 1987 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Lou also was a graduate and instructor at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. In 1980, he joined USAir, where he worked as an airframe and powerplant mechanic in the engine overhaul and tool room, retiring in 1992.

Lou was a devoted parishioner of Mary, Queen of Saints – Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5947. He achieved the rank of Grand Knight and also served as Council Treasurer.

Lou enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout his long and fulfilling life. He loved tending to his garden, reading, cheering (or cursing) the Pittsburgh Steelers, and watching war documentaries. He was a skilled handyman, had a passion for learning, and enjoyed exploring new music, cooking techniques, and the latest technology. A true Italian, Lou was known for making the most delicious lasagna, enjoyed by his family over many Christmases. Above all, Lou was a proud and patriotic American.

In addition to his parents, Lou was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Kathleen A. (Darroch) Salvati; his sister Rosemary (Jim) Cleland; sons Timothy F. Salvati and Robert J. Salvati; and daughter-in-law Lea Salvati.

Lou is survived by his daughter Patricia J. Cellone and husband Keith; son Louis "Jerry" Salvati and wife Christina; son David E. Salvati; daughter-in-law Kimberly Salvati; ten grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.  

Special thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice and Concordia Villa St. Joseph nurses, therapists, and aides for their excellent and compassionate care for Lou over the past several months.

Friends will be received on Monday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in Darroch Cremation and Funeral Tributes, Inc., 2640 Mill Street, Aliquippa www.darrochfuneralhome.com where prayers will be offered on Tuesday at 9:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church.

Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

The Beaver County Special Unit will meet at the cemetery on Tuesday at 11am to conduct full military honors.

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