Canio 'Kelly' LaSalva, 85, Navy SeaBee

Canio LaSalva, 85, entered into eternal rest on July 4th 2012 at the home of his beloved daughter and granddaughters. He was surrounded by his loved ones.

Canio, or "Kelly," as he was known,  was born February 23, 1927, in New York City to the late Rosario and Maria LoRusso LaSelva. The family made their home in Pelham, New York for many years. He attended Hutchinson School & Pelham Memorial High School. His artistic talents began early and many of his art pieces were displayed at the school for years.

He is survived by his daughter Marcella LaSalva (Mastronardi) and granddaughters Kelly and Kathleen Mastronardi. Also surviving are his sisters Angelina Scarano from Pelham, NY and Marie (Chin) LaSelva of Ridgefield, CT, also brothers Rosario (Ross) LaSelva of Bethel, sisters in laws- Ann Reardon LaSelva of Bethel and Hazel LaSelva of Mt. Vernon, NY. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and his special niece Ann Taliercio affectionately called "Pabork".

He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Theresa Christiana LaSalva in July of 2009, in addition to his parents- he was also predeceased by brothers- Leo, Vincent, Carmen and Vito and sisters Anna Marie Gaita and Lucy LaSelva.

Canio was a veteran of WWII-serving in the Navy Seabees-he was on his way to Okinawa when they heard of the Japanese Surrender. He was also a veteran of the Korean Conflict where he was stationed in Pensicola, Florida. His wife Theresa was able to live on the base with him during that time and they had many special memories of their time there.

Canio was a member of Carpenters Local 210. All that knew him described him as the best in his field - His brother Junior recently said he was the best carpenter on the East Coast. He was known for his quiet nature and love for telling jokes, many of which he made up himself.

He loved spending time with his daughter and granddaughters and their bunny Pancakes. He held a special place in his heart for his beloved poodles. He also enjoyed giving copies of his art work to friends and family. He was an accomplished artist and a former member of The Silvermine Guild of Artists in New Canaan, Ct. He was on the Silvermine Chamber Music Committee for four years. He exhibited throughout Fairfield County and was in the emerging artist show in Madison Square Garden in 1982. He was the winner of approximately 32 awards. Much of his work was done on location.

He was a Silvermine artist mentor for 3rd-5th grade at Rogers Magnet School in Stamford for 4 yrs where he worked on a 40'x8' wall mural with the children. Canio always felt that he was in his true element when working with the kids. He spent 4 yrs as a Para- Professional in Special Ed at Westport's Bedford Elementary and Middle School.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at St. Philip Church 1 Fr. Conlin Pl, Norwalk. Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk. His family will receive friends on
Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk.
For info or online guestbook, please go to: Magnerfuneralhome.com

(Ed. Note: Both LaSalva and LaSelva family names are referenced here. I've been assured this is correct.)