AIKEN, SC- George Robert DeSalvio, (90) 1/1924 - 11/2014, beloved husband of Gerd DeSalvio, passed away November 3, 2014 at his residence. Mr. DeSalvio was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, the eldest son of Italian immigrants, Michele and Grace DeSalvio. During WWII, George served in the Army (1943-1946) in the mountains of Italy with the 10th Mountain Division, 85th Infantry. This division pioneered the Army's alpine fighting skills which contributed to their outstanding combat record during WWII. Furthermore, these learned skills helped to transform the sport of skiing into a major recreational industry in America. After serving, with the help of the GI Bill, he graduated from Upsala College with a bachelor's degree in accounting/business and began his employ with American Express. During two separate business trips to Sweden, George courted Gerd Eriksson. Their love bridged the language barrier and they married in 1956. George spent the next forty years working as an executive with American Express, retiring as Vice President of Financial Administration. George lived for many years in Middletown, New Jersey before retiring to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Fourteen years ago, he made Aiken, South Carolina his home. George remained very patriotic and was a long time member of the US 10th Mountain Division Southeast Chapter. Always the athlete, George was an avid skier, tennis player, golfer and bicyclist but as many people knew him-the guy walking Jake. His weekly schedule included three workouts at Gold's Gym and Sunday breakfasts at Woodside Plantation County Club. Survivors in addition to his wife, Gerd, include a daughter and son-in-law, Kristina and Henry Kegley, of North Carolina; a son and daughter-in-law, Lars and Joanne DeSalvio, of Maryland; four grandchildren, Matthew Kegley, Daniel Kegley, Nicholas DeSalvio, and Erika DeSalvio; a sister, Joanne Sherman, and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, Mr. DeSalvio was preceded in death by four sisters, Marie Eriksson, Patricia Mattson, Anna Manna, and Laura DeSalvio and three brothers, Joseph, Larry, and Matteo DeSalvio. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 11 (Veteran's Day) at 2:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Pastors Bob Byrne and Jeff Erbskorn will be officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road, Aiken, SC 29803. The Historic George Funeral Home, 211 Park Ave, SW, Aiken, SC in charge of arrangements. Expressions of sympathy as well as pictures/videos and comments for the family can be viewed and shared by visiting the website for George Funeral Home at www.georgefuneralhomes.com.