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Champion of flag remembered by family, friends

Speaking to people who have known and worked with Tony DiSalvo through the years, one word comes up often: “humble.”

As such, he probably would not be happy with this tribute to him for all he has done for and meant to this community. But for those who did not know him, this tribute will highlight the many ways he has touched the lives of so many through his acts of service.

DiSalvo, who passed away Feb. 4 at the age of 89, was a lifelong resident of Williamsport. The son of immigrants, his father had instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism, according to Dr. Joseph English, who had known DiSalvo since they were teenagers.

English shared how DiSalvo told him when he was a boy and attended a parade with his father, he was told to always stand when the flag goes by.

“You respect that flag,” English said DiSalvo’s father had told the young boy.

Every year on Flag Day as the God, Country and Community Flag March moves along the streets of the city, everyone should remember DiSalvo, who founded the event over 30 years ago to honor the flag. Organizers are considering renaming the march in honor of DiSalvo, according to Bob Weaver, who had worked with him in the local Boy Scouts of America program, another passion of DiSalvo’s.

DiSalvo always attended the marches, walking along, handing out flags to the spectators lining the streets. The last time he rode in a car, but he still attended, according to Weaver.

When the first Boy Scout Jamboree was held in 1936, DiSalvo attended it with his uncle as a guest, English said.

But, after that, he attended every Jamboree ever held and in fact had received an award as the only scout to ever do so English said the scouts honored him with a walking stick bearing all patches from the previous events.

Through the years, DiSalvo earned many awards. He was only one of two scouts in the local council to receive the Distinguished Eagle Scout award. He was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest honor in the local council, and the Silver Antelope, the highest honor at the district level of the Boy Scouts. He also was a member of the Order of the Arrow, an organization of older scouts promoting camping.

About a week before he passed away, DiSalvo was given the Outstanding Eagle Scout Award in his hospital room, according to Weaver.

“It was one of his last memories,” Weaver said. “He never did things for the awards, but he was certainly worthy of it.”

This humility was indicative of what Weaver called DiSalvo’s “servant heart.”

He wanted to serve others and this was reflected in his many years of involvement with scouting.

Having held almost every office within the Boy Scouts from assistant scout master on up, English said how it was not unusual to be walking down the street with DiSalvo and have several people stop and say, “You were my scout leader.”

“He was a wonderful Scoutmaster,” English said, adding that DiSalvo always encouraged the scouts to work toward the Eagle Scout rank.

DiSalvo would also take his scout troop to Camp Kline, located along Pine Creek.

“You always knew when he arrived with his group because he had them all fired up,” English said. “He was the best scout master I’ve ever known.”

He was not just a Scoutmaster, he was a mentor, Weaver said.

“He was not only a good leader, but a mentor – a mentor to many of us who are involved now. He was a mentor and teacher, a fellow scout and a very valuable friend,” he added.

County Commissioner Rick Mirabito said DiSalvo’s work with younger people in the community exemplified his leadership qualities.

“He’s probably given a tremendous amount to the young boys and girls who have learned by his example. He was always doing by example and living by example. He was a true community leader,” Mirabito said.

DiSalvo was involved with other groups in the area, among them the Red Cross and St. Anthony’s Center, English said, and of course his church, the former Mater Dolorosa, which is now St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

“I never heard him say no to anyone who asked for help or to do something in town,” English said.

For the last 61 years, DiSalvo shared his life with his wife, the former Kathleen Sartori.

“His wife gave him support,” English said. “A man can’t do great things without his wife’s support.”

He also worked with the Brotherhood Alliance.

Connie Tobias, who served with him in this group, said, “Tony has more passion and energy for patriotism and brotherhood — more than anyone I know. He puts himself aside so that others are recognized.”

“He’s a great guy,” she added. “We will be a lot less when he’s gone.”

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