John Salvi

John Salvi obituary

John Salvi

John Salvi Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ocean County Cremation Service - Toms River on Dec. 31, 2025.
October 3, 1938 – December 23, 2025

On December 23rd, John's Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came and brought him to his eternal home, where he was joyfully reunited with his beloved son, Kenneth, who predeceased him in 2004. John Salvi was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, public servant, and man of faith whose life was marked by service to both his country and his community.

John proudly served in the United States Navy for four years, answering the call to serve his nation at a young age. Following his military service, he dedicated 25 years to law enforcement as a Paterson police officer, where he was known for his commitment, integrity, and steady presence. He retired honorably in 1991 after a long and distinguished career.

Deeply grounded in his faith, John was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, class of 1974. His calling to serve others continued beyond his retirement when he became a hospice chaplain at Southern Ocean Medical Center, a role he held from 1993 to 2000. In this capacity, John offered comfort, compassion, and spiritual guidance to patients and families during some of life's most difficult moments.

Above all else, John cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. He was a loving father to his daughter, Heather, and her husband, Nick, and a proud grandfather to Nicolas and Rachel. He is also survived by Rachel's husband, Alex, and his treasured great-granddaughter, Skyler. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald Salvi, as well as nieces and nephews and their families.

John will be remembered for his unwavering faith, quiet strength, and lifelong dedication to serving others. His legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to God and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Any donations can be made to First Assembly of God, 800 Bay Avenue, Toms River, NJ 08753.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Salvi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 6, 2026

Jaime Mejia posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2026

Jack Baker posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2026

Mario Baldino posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Jaime Mejia

January 6, 2026

I had the pleasure to work and interact with him as a young patrolman. He was very humble and courteous to others.
Very loved by the community he served.
RIP

Jack Baker

January 4, 2026

I walked a beat on 21st Ave when I first came on the job. May he rest in eternal peace.

Mario Baldino

January 3, 2026

I am proud to say that i not only knew John but spent many days together with him patrolling the city of Paterson. He was always a gentleman to the people he served and had my utmost respect

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Ocean County Cremation Service - Toms River

1252 Route 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755

Make a Donation
in John Salvi's name

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Salvi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Salvi's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 6, 2026

Jaime Mejia posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2026

Jack Baker posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2026

Mario Baldino posted to the memorial.