Biography

Gary DeSalvo was a lifelong resident of Stamford, CT. He was a wonderful husband to his wife Rose and a fantastic father to his two sons, Tom and Michael and a friend to all. He worked in the HVAC industry for over 35 years. He died of brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 60.

Gary was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants and UConn Women’s Basketball. He enjoyed playing softball and fishing, but one of his greatest passions in life was bowling. He started bowling at a very young age, following in the footsteps of his father, Andy, who was an excellent duck-pin bowler. Gary passed down the love of bowling to his two sons, who started bowling with him as very young children starting with the Man-Boy League all the way through to the adult leagues. He bowled in many National tournaments throughout the United States with his bowling buddies, and on a team with his sons at the Nationals in Las Vegas.

Gary became a very accomplished bowler and was inducted into the Lower Fairfield County Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2002. His honor scores include eight 300 games and two 800 series, including the highest series ever bowled at Bowl-A-Rama in Stamford, CT.

Gary is best remembered for his friendly nature. He was a gentle, even-tempered man and always willing to help those who needed it. He touched the lives of all who knew him. He enjoyed helping people learn to bowl or become better bowlers and especially enjoyed working with the junior bowlers.

Upon Gary’s death, it was an easy decision for his family to continue his legacy through setting up a fund to provide bowling scholarships to area bowlers entering a university, college or vocational school.


“A beautiful life that came to an end,
he died as he lived, everyone’s friend.
In our hearts a memory will always be kept,
of one we loved, and will never forget.”


Gary receiving Lower Fairfield County Bowling Association Hall of Fame Plaque in 2002.
Gary receiving Lower Fairfield County Bowling Association Hall of Fame Plaque in 2002.

Gary and his sons Tommy and Mike bowling in the USBC National Bowling Tournament in Las Vegas in 2009.  One of Gary's favorite things to do was bowl with his sons.
Gary and his sons Tommy and Mike bowling in the USBC National Bowling Tournament in Las Vegas in 2009. One of Gary’s favorite things to do was bowl with his sons.
Gary just enjoying life at the bowling alley.
Gary just enjoying life at the bowling alley.