James Daniel Salvatore

Born:  Spet. 20, 1947

Died:  March 19, 2006

SALVATORE James D. "JD" Salvatore, age 58, March 19, 2006 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Proud of his Italian heritage and Catholic faith, JD served as organist for many years at St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, where he also sang in the choir. JD graduated from Watterson High School, Class of 1969, received a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University, earned his Masters degree from Xavier and worked his entire life as a Certified Computer Professional, Certified Data Processor and a Certified Quality A Professional. He was employed by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. An avid Ohio State fan, JD was a member of the OSU Alumni Association and the Presidents Club. He was also a member of the Guild Athletic Club. JD's compassion for helping others was best demonstrated in the countless hours he spent volunteering for Special Olympics, where he organized 2000 volunteers to raise money for educational materials for challenged children. Through his devotion to the handicapped and less fortunate, JD founded Special Heroes with his lifetime companion, Ginny Jory. Special Heroes funds recreational trips for handicapped children and works very closely with Franklin County Mental Retardation. He is preceded in death by his parents Dante and Lulu Salvatore, aunts and uncles Frank (Raynella) Salvatore, Charlie (Mary) Salvatore, Joe (Imelda) Salvatore, Tony (Catharine) Salvatore, Helen (Carroll) Bowes, Herman Kinzelman, Charles (Lucille) Kinzelman, Louis Kinzelman and lifetime friend and companion Ginny Jory. Survived by cousins, Frances Hawkins, Barbara (Walter) Gale, Bob Bowes; and godson, Todd Salvatore. Family will receive friends in the Father Marrapese Hall within the St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, 720 Hamlet Street on Saturday, April 1, 2006 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass and Celebration of JD's life at 11 a.m. PRIVATE inurnment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Friends who wish, may contribute in memory of JD, to St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church Building Fund, 720 Hamlet Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215 or Special Heroes, P.O. Box 20423, Columbus, Ohio 43220. Arrangements provided by the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME.