Vincent Edward DeSalvo

Vincent Edward DeSalvo, aged 91, of Broomfield, Colorado passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 surrounded by family and friends.

He was a devoted father, a dedicated parishioner in the Catholic Church, a man of steadfast work ethic, and above all, someone who lived a life of adventure. His epic journey began on November 9, 1934. Born to Vincent DeSalvo and Josephine (Carao) DeSalvo, he grew up in Rahway, New Jersey, alongside his two brothers and two sisters, who were first-generation Americans. Although Vincent shared a close relationship with his family, he was eager to carve his own path. He soon discovered lithographic typography and a talent for learning musical instruments—including the violin, piano, percussion, and trumpet—and often played with his family and in the school band.

In 1955, he joined the US Navy to see the world and serve his country. Of his 21 months on active service, he served 18 consecutive months at sea while forward deployed aboard the USS Pocono (AGC-16). Primarily operating out of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea, USS Pocono served as the US Naval Forces Europe and Africa flagship during the Suez Crisis—one of the first and most significant flashpoints of the Cold War. Vincent, a Lithographic Pressman Third Class, was responsible for printing and disseminating messages that allowed the fleet commander to command and control a substantial naval task force. Their efforts enabled President Eisenhower’s administration to pursue diplomacy from a position of strength, ultimately resulting in a peaceful end to the crisis. By the time he returned to friendly shores in 1957, Vincent had traveled the world, achieved a degree of mastery in lithography, and incidentally gained proficiency in talents only sailors possess: telling sea stories and lighting cigarettes in the wind.

After the Navy and a handful of professional linotype assignments in New York City, Vincent took his freshly minted union card and struck out to see the country. He charted a course from east to west, making stops at local print shops and newspapers, exploring while working—the perfect arrangement for an adventurous spirit.

He loved skiing. In the mid-1960s, he made a stop in Aspen, Colorado, where he would spend the next several winter seasons. He was a ski bum by day and waited tables at the famous Red Onion Restaurant by night. He also had a brief stint as a ski instructor with the Stein Eriksen school. When the warm months arrived, he explored other parts of the West. San Francisco and the famed Haight-Ashbury district became one of his regular seasonal hangouts. While there, he discovered the classical guitar and spent many hours in devoted practice studying the Segovia technique.

Following nearly a decade of Aspen winters, Vincent decided to settle for a spell in Denver. He took up linotype operator jobs at The Denver Post and other local print shops; he also had regular side gigs performing classical and flamenco guitar. Charmed by the widescreen vistas where the Colorado plains met the Rocky Mountains, he settled in for his next chapter. He earned a certificate from the Community College of Denver and landed a career-making post at The Typesetter, heading up the switch from lead-based movable type to computer-assisted photo-chemical processes. It was during these years that he started a family of his own, settling in Lafayette, Louisville, and finally, Broomfield.

In the early 1990s, with three children spanning ages 1 to 15, professional typography largely became obsolete with the advent of desktop printing. Ever resourceful, Vincent forged a new path working full-time in the auto parts industry. He also taught classical guitar until well into his 70s. He worked hard to provide plentiful fresh, organic food (something he never compromised on and which likely contributed to his longevity) and a safe home in which his three boys, even well into adulthood, could come and go as they pleased. Out of all the accomplishments and adventures Vincent had in his life, his children most admire the sacrifices he made to ensure his family thrived.

Throughout his life, Vincent was a devout Catholic and a legacy parishioner at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lafayette, St. Mary of the Assumption in Central City, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Parish in Northglenn, and principally at Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Broomfield.

Vincent lived a rich life filled with laughter, music, adventure, faith, and devotion to his craft and country. He was a kind, charitable, and gregarious man who shared his passion for living freely with his friends and family. Up until the day he passed, he maintained a steady stream of visitors to his home, all drawn to his good nature and humor. Although he will be greatly missed, Vincent’s family and friends encourage the community to celebrate that such a man lived.

He was preceded in death by his father, Vincent; his mother, Josephine; his sisters, Patricia and Esther; and his brothers, Andrew and Joseph. He is survived by his three sons, Anthony, Mario, and Adrian.

For those unable to attend the Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass these Services will be livestreamed.

Please click on the link below for the livestream

https://www.youtube.com/live/CQfSotdqhxo

In lieu of Flowers, Donations made be made to the following:

Nativity of Our Lord - nool.us or Broomfield Veterans Museum - broomfieldveterans.org