Cesare Salvestrini
July 18, 1933 – November 18, 2024
Patricia Mary (Maureen) Salvestrini
May 20, 1937 – December 14, 2023
Given the gift of a long faith-filled life and the blessing of being surrounded by family in their home, Cesare and Maureen Salvestrini were each peacefully embraced by our Lord.
Cesare (Gus), 91, graduated from Forest Hills High School, Forest Hills, New York. Maureen, 86, graduated from Loreto Secondary School, Youghal, County Cork, Ireland. In their younger years he played competitive basketball, was a member of the National Guard, and earned the rank of marksman. She played competitive field hockey, enjoyed creating art, and was a talented violinist. They were each active on bowling leagues which became the path that led them to begin their journey together. Cesare Salvestrini of San Gimignano, Italy and the former Maureen O’Neill of Knockanore, County Waterford, Ireland were joined together in holy matrimony during a Nupital Mass on Saturday, October 24, 1959. The ceremony was held at Our Lady of the Angelus R.C. Church in Rego Park, Long Island, N.Y.
Through the years they cherished the many blessings of raising a family and took great pride in being dedicated & loving grandparents. They leave a legacy of sharing family traditions, making memories with friends, and volunteering in the community and their church. Cesare was retired from the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation. He dedicated himself to the Godfrey Knights of Columbus. He was a Fourth Degree Honor Guard lifetime member and spent much time assisting with community events and the popular KC fish frys. Maureen was retired from JC Penney. She dedicated herself to the Altar Society and as a eucharistic minister for Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church. She cooked, baked, served, and assisted many events in the church’s Sloan Room. In their spare time the couple enjoyed the theater, cooking, baking, boating, camping, crabbing, fishing, and traveling. After 37 years in the Alton/Godfrey, IL area, they spent treasured time with family in Panama City Beach, FL.
The beloved parents and grandparents are survived by their children Tricia Salvestrini of Estero, FL, Sue and Andy Peipert of Panama City Beach, FL, and grandchildren Aaron, Dan, and Tony Peipert of Panama City Beach, FL.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 717 State St., Alton, IL. Fr. Jeff Holtman will officiate. The Honor Guard will stand by the family. Following the mass, Cesare and Maureen will be laid to rest at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey. A Celebration of Life will follow at Johnson’s Corner until 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Knights of Columbus Food for Families or the Alzheimer’s Association. An online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
