Obituary of Maurice Kelly Salve

Maurice Kelly Salve
Oct. 10, 1935 – April 21, 2021

          Maurice Kelly Salve, age 85, called “Kelly” by friends and family, passed away in the morning of Wednesday, April 21, 2021, of natural causes after several years with dementia, in the loving care of his family at home. 

          Kelly was born in Waipahu, Oahu, the fifth of six children to Modesto C. Salve and Juling Teding Salve.  He grew up in Honolulu and graduated high school from St. Louis School, Catholic school for boys.  He served for 4 years, 4 months in the US Air Force as a­ Communications Center Specialist and was honorably discharged with commendations of Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Germany Occupation Medal.  He met the love of his life, Mary at Yaw's Drive-In Restaurant in Portland, and they were married Sept. 10, 1960 at St. Rose Catholic Church.  They have two sons, Antony Kelly and Ricardo Andre Salve.  He graduated from Portland State University with a Master’s in Social Work in 1972 and became a social worker for the State of Oregon, DHS, Child Protective Services until his retirement in early 2000s.  He was a sociable and gregarious person with close friendships both at work, their faith community, and their neighborhood.  He and his wife, Mary spent their retirement years volunteering in their parish, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Oregon and creating many beautiful memories with their family.  Kelly was an usher and helped in St. Vincent de Paul’s delivery of food/supplies to those in need.  They were parishioners at St. John the Baptist for over 40 years.  Kelly was happiest in the company of his wife, Mary and their family.  They were married for 57 years at time of her death in 2018.  Family and faith were their focus, and they relished many special moments with them, celebrating birthdays and holidays with them, enjoying their only grandchild, Michael, and gardening.  Their home was always decorated nicely and festively for holidays, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.  In the last several years with dementia, he enjoyed watching classic wartime movies, such as Foyle’s War, Stalag 17, Pearl Harbor, and The Great Escape; reminiscing and looking at old family photos; listening to music, praying, and enjoying home-cooked meals.  They lived a life with a deep faith in a loving God and gave much love, compassion and kindness to everyone.

          He was preceded in death by his parents, Modesto and Juling; his siblings, Alida “Vi” Arkin, Bobbin Fasone, Blossom Morales, and Juleste Salve, and his wife, Mary.  He is survived by his sister, Sylvia Holland; his firstborn, Antony; his second son, Rick and his wife, Julia; his many nieces and nephews in Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Massachusetts; and his only grandchild whom he and Mary adored, 9-year-old, Michael Salve (Rick and Julia's child). 

          A private graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on May 28, 2021 at 10am, Friday, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd, Portland, Oregon, 97086.  The service will be officiated by Rev. John Marshall, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic.  Remembrances may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or School at 10955 SE 25th Ave, Milwaukie, Oregon, 97222; St. Vincent de Paul Society (phone 503-235-8431), a charity that assists the elderly, handicapped, and economically disadvantaged, or plant a tree as a tribute.  Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits or https://crowncremationburial.com/tribute/all-services/index.html.