Obituary of Gerald Di Salvo

Gerald "Jerry" Louis Di Salvo, retired Lieutenant of the Milpitas Police Department, passed away in Chula Vista, CA at the age of 82. Jerry was born and raised in San Jose and graduated from San Jose State University with a BS degree. He was also enlisted with the US Navy Reserves. Before his recent move to San Diego, he was a longtime resident of Santa Cruz and member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Capitola. During his 30 years with the Milpitas Police Department, Jerry was a huge inspiration to fellow officers with his involvement with helping the youth. Jerry loved life itself. He loved to golf, watch war films and take vacations with his wife to Hawaii and San Diego. One of his many joys was to tell jokes and make people laugh. We already miss our "Jerr-Bear." He was such a fun-loving and gentle father, brother, son, husband and grandfather. We will never forget his contagious laugh and his great sense of humor. Jerry is survived by his wife of 25 years, Carole M. Park-Di Salvo; his children, Wayne Di Salvo, Duane Di Salvo and Vannessa Park-Cox; 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffery Di Salvo; parents, Angelo & Mary Di Salvo; and brother, Glennie Di Salvo. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to help offset the costs of Jerry's funeral and medical expenses the Di Salvo Family, c/o Vannessa Park-Cox, 712 Anza Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910 ([email protected]). A Memorial Service with Police Honors will be held at the Santa Cruz Memorial - Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street Ext., Santa Cruz, CA 95060 on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 2 PM and an urn committal at Santa Cruz Memorial Park. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge #0824, 150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060.