Police Officer John Anthony Salvaggio Houston Police Department Texas Sunday, November 25, 1990  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

After several weeks working at your brother Charlie's (fabulous) restaurant, I asked about you, as your picture is prominently displayed. Your brother told me of you with tears in his eyes. It is obvious that even after almost twenty years you are still deeply loved and missed.

Your family is in my prayers, and your memory is in my heart now too, though I never knew you.

Thanks for your years of service, and I hope St. Peter gives you roller skates.

Melissa

2009-04-23

Hi Dad, I just wanted to thank you for watching over us last night. We had a blow out on I-10 as we were trying yo get on 610 we had to leave the trunk in the right hand lane. There were so many close calls where other cars were going to crash into the truck or another car as they were trying to get out of the way. There was no shoulder and no where to get off the freeway. Within seconds HPD passed by he called in for a tow truck. Minutes later a really nice Tow truck driver and his wife came to save us! Come to find out, his brother is one of your fellow fallen officer. I belive his name was Winston Rawlins. You two must have been working together last night. Still patroling the streets from heaven. It was nice to feel your presence. Thank you. I miss you so much and as you know so much has happend. You now have 3 beautiful grandchildren. Anthony is turning 7, Adrianna is 3 and Kamryn is 5 mo. Johnny is Graduating in a few weeks and going to UTSA! We are all so proud of him. He now has 2 state rings from Football. He wears them both just like you would have. Johnny has the deep, hearty, contagious laugh like you did. He has become Mr. Personality who always has a funny comeback. He CAN NOT tell a joke to save his life....Hmmm..Who does that sound like.... I think if you were to see all of us today you would be proud of your family. You would be proud of the men Cathy and I picked to marry! I wonder how your relationship with Jason would be. I think that he is alot like you. He wants to a cop SO bad, but I just can't find it in me to accept it. He started his own business doing remodeling and it has been doing well so far. AJ is starting at St. Cecilia for second grade next year, WOW! Adrianna is Adorable and I think she would Popo's girl. It sounds crazy but it seems like she knows you. She asked were her Popo was and I assumed she ment Popo Bernie. Well she pointed to your picture and said "No, that Popo" they know Popo John is in heaven and looks out for them. I would give anything for them to just see you and hug you and meet you. I always tell mom that I just wish you could see all this. I know you do but I wish you could see it all with mom. Mom is doing wonderful...she is having a hard time cutting the strings with Johnny. She is glue that holds everything together. As we all do she misses you so much, as Johnny has gotten older she sees so much of you in him. She laughs when does goofy things that you would have done. I think that mom has played a good game with cards she was delt. She wants to dream about so badly. she thinks she can't beacuse she tries too hard. I wish you could come to her in a dream and tell her how proud you are of her. She was a lot stronger then she ever thought. Well it has been a while but, I think of you everyday and know that it is one day closer until we see you again. How is Popo? Things are not the same without him. We miss him dearly. He was so sick and it was hard to see him like that. I'm glad that you were there to greet him. He never was the same after you died. The mention of your name would start a trail of tears. I love you dad and thank you.

Virginia Manlove
daughter
2008-05-04

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2008-02-13

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service

Pat Van Den Berghe, Manchester, NH
Neighbors for a Better Manchester, NH
2007-11-27

dad,
adrianna's birthday party was to day, and she was the cutest thing there. Its hard to believe that she is already two and she is already like Virginia. this week i get my state ring, i know that you were there helping me up when i fell. so im going to tell you and everyone that reads this page that im dedicating my ring and the rings to future come in memory to you

Love,
Johnny

Johnny Salvaggio

2007-02-19

Officer Salvaggio, you obviously continue to live on in the hearts and minds of your loved ones and friends.G-d Bless you and them.

2006-11-25

I didn't know you , but have come to know your beautiful family.. you left a legacy ...I am so grateful to know your family... Charlotte Yates/ widow 1994

Charlotte Yates /widow
Harris County Sheriffs Dept
2006-03-16

Hey dad, I have a request. Please continue to watch over us, especially Johnny. He is now 16 and driving the crazy streets of Houston. I don't kow who should be more careful....us or him :) Well we love you and we miss you.

Virginia Salvaggio-Manlove

2006-03-08

HEY, SAL! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? APRIL 2, 2006 WILL BE OUR 22ND ANNIVERSARY SINCE WE STARTED THE ACADEMY. I SURE WISH WE COULD MEET UP AT THE LOCAL STEAK AND EGGS THAT WE FREQUENTED WHILE ON PATROL AND GET A CUP OF JOE TO CELEBRATE. I SURE MISS YOU SAL. BARBARA AND I WENT TO A ST. PIUS FOOTBALL GAME THIS PAST FALL AND I COULDN'T BELIEVE HOW BIG LIL' JOHNNY IS. MAN, HE LOOKS JUST LIKE YOU! HE HAS ASKED ME TO TELL HIM STORIES ABOUT YOU AND I NEVER SEEM TO KNOW WHAT TO TELL HIM. I JUST REMEMBER LAUGHING ALOT WHEN WE HUNG OUT TOGETHER. I DO MISS THAT FULL OF LIFE, ROBUST LAUGH OF YOURS. REMEMBER WHEN WE HAD OUR BOXING MATCHES IN THE ACADEMY AND OUR CLASS COUNSELORS TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE THE ONE TO FIGHT THAT FORMER HOUSTON OILER THAT WAS IN CLASS 121? I'LL NEVER FORGET WHEN YOU STOOD UP AND SAID, "BRING THAT BIG MOTHER ON"! OFCOURSE, MARYBESS SHOWED ME THE VIDEO TAPE OF YOU AND I DOING "BELLY FLOPS" IN YOUR POOL ON THE FOURTH OF JULY. I THINK WE HAD TOO MUCH TO DRINK! I GUESS I'LL CLOSE BIG GUY. GOD WILLING, I'LL SEE YOU IN HEAVEN. LOVE, RON. HOUSTON POLICE DEPT, CLASS #120.

SENIOR POLICE OFFICER RON FREEMAN
HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
2006-03-03

Dear Johnny,

I call you by your name even though we have never physically met. You see, I look at your picture almost everyday of my life as I am eating in your brother Charlie's restaurant. I have often remarked on your good looks and the kindness that I see in your eyes. There is never an occasion that your family doesn't like to share their memories and love of you with me and my family. You can now understand why I might be so familiar as to address you by your first name. I have had many police officers as friends through the years and am very thankful for the way that they put themselves in harm's way just so that me and mine might sleep safely at night. So, Mr. Salvaggio, thank you for the same and the daily visits at Giuseppe's. You have a wonderful family who loves you without measure.

Love in Christ,
Debra K. Scott

Debra Scott

2006-02-27

I met John in 1985 where I was a fairly new rookie. After my field training I hooked up with John on the night shift where we had a ball policing. It was difficult finding a partner I could work with for one reason or another. After a few years riding with John he had made it easier coming to work. We worked extra jobs together, fishing and other things. Through all the calls and dangers of police work John usually found a comical solution to take the edge off. I am very proud and humbled to say that he was one of my best friends. I just wished he was still around because I miss my friend. God bless John's fine family because I know he would be so proud of them. Dan Starr

Senior Police Officer: Dan Starr
Houston Police Department
2005-12-26

Well Johnny it's been a long 15 years without you around. God only knows there are so many times that i just look up into the sky and try to talk to you or ask you a simple question like, what do I do now? I know life will continue to go on for us, but it is so hard to go on with out a brother that I loved and respected so much. No matter had mad we would get with each other I always knew you would be there for me when I needed you
I miss the phonecalls when you would call me and tell me a funny joke, even if it was at 3 am in the morning. I would really get mad when it was a joke that I had told you ealier that day and you would say Oh yeah go back to sleep. It's funny how I would give anything if you could make me mad again
Memories of you and the fun we had is something no one can take away from me, which now I cherish so much. Which must be Gods way of helping me get through the years with out your presence.
I remember when Little John was born, you told me that God had finally blessed you, well it was actually all of the family that was blessed because he is a carbon copy of you. Two weeks before you left us you had come to one of Little charlie's football games and on the way home you had asked me if anything ever happened to you you wanted me to make sure Little Johnny played football. Well brother I let you down, because of certain things that had happen to me in my life when Little Johnny was finally old enough to play, and today I thank God that Bernie came along and was there for that. And your little boy is doing awesome, ( I know your on the field with him protecting him ) I just wish I could have done that for you, please forgive me because I know I will regret it for the rest of my life
Christmas time is near now and it's been 15 years since you've been gone and I still look for you at mom and dads house. It's just not the same anymore, because you where always the jolly ole fat bay. He he he I even miss when always aroung this time of the year you would call mom and lie about something just so you could call me and say ( moms fixing to call you and you are in trrroooobblleeee ) Damn Boy, I miss you.
One more thing As you have always done save me a place where ever you are, I can't wait to see you again
Your loving brother Charlie

charles salvaggio

2005-12-19

John, Iam sorry I never had the HONOR of meeting you, but I did meet your loving wife several years ago when we went to Washington DC to Honor your memory. I was in the Honor Guard at that time and your wife couldn t say enought about you. I went by today and checked on your gravesite to make sure everything is ok. I do this every so often since I work the area and I have the highest respect for your service to Houston. Rest in Peace Brother.

Sgt. Charlie Allbright
Houston Police Dept
2005-12-15

Johnny,
When I think of you, I can't help but smile. I think back to a day when you and Charlie stopped by our house. E.J. was about eight years old. He and a friend of his were shooting their new B.B. guns with new CO2 cartridges in our back yard (remember we backed up to 30 acres of woods). You told them to point high in the air and shoot at the same time. They were concentrating so hard, they did not see you pull out your gun and fire in the air at the exact same time. The noise was unbelievable. They were so shocked!! E.J. looked at his friend and said "Man Chris, I think you blew your whole CO2 cartridge!!! The shocked look on their faces. We never laughed so hard. They didn't know what to think. They looked over at you (probably a little worried because you were in full uniform). It was so funny. I will always misss your shining eyes and quick smile. A lot of our family are up there with you now. My Mom just this last February passed away. Find her and my Dad and have some fun. We love you Johnny and always will.

Cynthia

Cynthia Colletti Vetrano
Lifelong famioy friend
2005-12-06

I remember one thanksgiving at our house on Rook Street. Uncle John and I were sitting at the dining room table just talking small talk and my mother walks in and asks Uncle John if he would like some coffee. He said yes, and my mom brought him a cup. He took a sip and exclaimed ,"whew, Carolyn, that coffee is stronger than the stuff that they serve at the station." My mom asked if it was too strong and he replied, "I'll let you know as soon as my toes uncurl." Then he flashed a broad smile and finished his coffee. That smile is my greatest memory of my Uncle John.

Anthony Grizzaffi

2005-12-02

Uncle John,
Even though I was only 7 years old at the time, I have always felt that we have had a close connection. From the many stories I have heard growing up, I know that you loved the outdoors- especially going hunting. I am glad that you got to go hunting in Kentucky the week before. Maybe that's where my love for hunting all started. One thing that I remember is the time you showed me your police belt. It was so big and heavy. You showed what everything was for-even the handcuffs. Boy, that scared me but you let me go! One year for Christmas, Aunt Marybess gave me the special wallet with your badge and number 2521 in it. It really got worn since I had it with me all the time, so she had to get me another one! You have helped me in some tight spots. I think of how things would have been different. I know for sure that we would have had some fun hunting trips to talk about!

Michael Montalbano
Nephew
2005-12-01

Uncle John,

I cannot believe it has been 15 years. I remember being at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving that year. We were all sitting around the table laughing and joking. You had such a great laugh and were always fun to be around. Aunt Marybess has done a fabulous job and is just a source of inspiration for all of us. You would be so proud of each one of your kids. Cathy and Virginia have married two great men--Jerry and Jason, and your grandbabies are just precious! Johnny has grown up to be a stunning young man. I look at him and smile because I see you.

We all miss you so much.

Love,
Vita Montalbano

Vita Montalbano

2005-11-28

November 25, 1990-a day that changed our world as we knew it forever. Our family has not been the same since that moment when John was taken so suddenly in such a senseless accident. Sometimes, it is still hard to believe that John is not with us. Even though time has passed, we definitely still miss his funny stories, his practical jokes, and his unique laugh that would lift the spirits of everyone. I have many special memories of John, but one of my favorites is I can still see John in his well-worn recliner, eating Blue Bell out of the carton, and watching TV with his eyes closed! There was never a dull moment with John around. He always had something going on.
One comforting thought is the fact that John loved every aspect of being a Houston Police officer. Even though he only served for seven years, he was able to live his dream. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for something that he truly believed in. John touched many people in his life in so many different ways as the testimonials reflect. He is greatly missed by all, but he is always in our thoughts and prayers.
Looking back, I know he would be so proud of Marybess, and how she has had the courage to carry on and be strong through this difficult time. She has been able to make life as normal as possible for Cathy, Virginia, and Johnny. They have had to learn to deal with their great loss in so many ways everyday for the past 15 years. Yet, through all the sad and happy times they have experienced, they have been able to move forward as John would have wanted. He would be so proud of his family!
I will close with one of John's favorite sayings. He would often say when he was leaving that: "He had places to go, people to see, and things to do." We just didn't know that he would leave us so soon.

Mary Jo Montalbano
Sister-in-law
2005-11-27

Dear Marybess & Family,

The last time I saw John he was directing traffic in front of a school on Briar Forest. I stopped to talk to
him and I asked about all of you. He
was very excited and told me that you
were having a baby. Of course that
baby was your son John. Yes, Marybess
it is a difficult journey but you are
right--we do have so much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Fondly,


Diane L. Melia

were expectng a baby.

a

2005-11-24

It was Thanksgiving, 1990, and the family gathered at the home of my in-laws for the traditional meal and socializing. I clearly remember that I sat next to John at the table. After dinner, he began to joke and jest as he usually did. My brother-in-law would laugh so hard that we couldn't help but roll with his contagious belly laugh. I miss his unique laughter--it was great medicine for any ailment, and reminded us to lighten up on our journey. Fifteen Novembers have come and gone, but memories, some comfortable and some difficult, remain. I believe John would be so proud (and even take some credit!) for the way Marybess and the children have continued on with their lives in such a positive direction. They may not realize it, but they have been a source of strength and encouragement for family and friends alike. May we continue to laugh with them and gently support them with our prayers.

Joe Montalbano

2005-11-23

Johnny,
15 years is a long time. I think about how young you were; how young we all were. Life hit us hard. You always made me laugh. You always called me GUM (even when I would pretend that was not my nick name). You told me I made good coffee. You were so proud of your kids. It would be soooo much fun getting old with you; I'm sure you are having a good laugh watching us. My Mom is with you now, take care of her too. I miss her alot. Ya'll can drink coffee and catch up (I'm sure she would enjoy filling you in on all the family business !! We love you Johnny.

Virginia Quartaro (aka GUM)

Virginia Quartaro

2005-11-23

It is difficult to express how much John's death impacted our lives. I know that from the moment we heard of his tragic accident we never took anything for granted again. We realized that our lives were not forever, our families not untouchable. I remember speaking to his wife and the one statement she made to me that I have live be each day is that she did not have a chance to say good bye be fore he died.

I treat each day as if it could be the last for each of my family members and friends. Now that is not to be morbid. It is only that John's life was so energetic, so spirited. He filled a room with his humor. His passing made me realize that each person leaves a 'print' on my life. I do not wish to take that for granted. John's death forever impressed upon me the necessity to love, appreciate and feel all there is to experience each day. There may not be another chance.

My family misses him!!

Marie Sedita

2005-11-23

It's hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since we lost Johnny. Fifteen years without that smile; fifteen years without that laugh; fifteen years without my friend, although he is constantly in my thoughts and fondest memories.

To Johnny's family, you are always in our thoughts and prayers, especially on Johnny's birthday and the anniversary of his death. I have always admired your courage and strength.

To Johnny's grandchildren, the grandfather you never knew was a good and great man. He was my good friend and you should strive to inherit his sense of humor.

To Johnny, keep the beer on ice, we'll all be up there one day and, man, do we have a lot to talk about. I miss you, Brother.

Joe Messa

Joe Messa
Former Houston Police Officer
2005-11-23

John,
They say that time flys by fast and with alot of things it does,but now looking back I cant understand where the time has gone.I cant believe it has been 15 years this month. I was still pretty little when you left us but oh the memories i have. I will never forget I had gotten it trouble with my mom and the punishment was that i had to talk to you, and I was scared. You came out in your uniform told me that if i kept it up you would take me to jail.Now looking back its funny but at the time i was so young I was scared.But that was the point, right! I wish I could have gotten more time to know you better but i get to hear all the wonderful things and funny memories about you from the family. You are missed and loved by many. Keep watching over everyone and you will never be forgotten.
Natalie Prevost

Natalie Prevost

2005-11-23

I am a friend of the family and was a
classmate of John's at Waltrip High School, class of 1969. I will always remember his great sense of humor. He was a wonderful husband and father. Thank you John for serving and taking care of the citizens of our city. You are our hero. Your family is awesome and I know you are watching over them everyday. Rest in peace.

Norma Halick

Norma Halick

2005-11-23