Anthony Richard "Tony" Salvati, 72, died at his home on Friday, April 3, 2009 in Charlotte, NC. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 18, 1936 to the late Salvatore Salvati and Lillian Coscia Salvati. While serving in the U.S. Navy at Millington Naval Air Station, Tony met the love of his life and wife of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth Yates Salvati. He was a kind and caring man with a giant heart, a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a loyal friend to many. Tony always put his family first and actively participated in his children's school and other activities. His example taught them and many others the true meaning of respect, honor and faith. Following his retirement from Witco Chemical in 1997, he volunteered and served in various capacities at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bartlett, TN. He was fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus and received the Joachim and Ann Award, established as the highest honor for faithful service to the church and is presented to individuals who have given of themselves far beyond measure to advance the good of the parish and its mission. He and his wife Mary later moved to Charlotte, NC in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer, fisherman, and gardener and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Gina M. Salvati of Charlotte, NC and Elizabeth A. Salvati (Stephen Samp) of Atlanta, GA; and two grandchildren who fondly call him Grandpa, Mary Grace Samp and Anna Marie Samp of Atlanta, GA. Tony is also survived by his sister, Mary Mahoney of Memphis, TN and brothers, Dennis Salvati of Bellmore, NY and John Salvati of Sebastopol, CA. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 6 in the chapel at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Charlotte, NC. A memorial mass will be held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 8 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bartlett, TN. He will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, April 11 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, St. Ann's Catholic Church in Memphis or to St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. On-line condolences may be made at www.heritagefuneral.net. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington Chapel. (Published in The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, TN on 4/5/2009)