DANVERS – Mr. Roger A. Salucco, 90 of Danvers and the loving husband of the late Greta (French) Salucco, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 at Lahey Hospital in Peabody.

Born in East Boston, Roger was the son of the late Carmen and Josephine (Anese) Salucco. He was raised and educated in Medford and as a young man, served in the United States Air Force for 8 years. He enlisted shortly before the end of the Korean War and was stationed at numerous Air Force bases both stateside and overseas during the Cold War. Having access to a jumpseat in Europe led to many adventures and misadventures while travelling across Africa and Europe. He made the most of his opportunity, but eventually realized it was time to return home to civilian life.

He and Greta eventually settled in Danvers and raised their family there. He was a tireless worker, and spent the majority of his career as a stock broker, but also worked a 2nd job to provide for his family. Weekends were no time to slow down, and he was often outside tending to the yard and pool. Even at the age of 89, he could be found mowing the lawn, albeit a bit slower than his usual pace.

Roger had three great passions in his life:  Sports, Grandkids and his wife, Greta.

As a teen, Roger excelled at sports, where he played both basketball and soccer at Medford High. Often, he would laughingly recount how he was kicked off the basketball team for his academic shortcomings and would be quick to point out he got A's in gym (he would also be quick to point out he failed Italian - even though both parents spoke Italian at home).

While stationed in Europe he was taught how to play golf, excelled at it, and quickly grew in love with the game. He thought himself fortunate as officers on the base would invite him to play because he offered them a challenge. Later in life, Roger was known in Danvers for playing in a pickup basketball league around town.

His second love was his grandkids, and he would enthusiastically ask for updates on school, sport and their own adventures. If he told you about his grandkids, there was a beam of pride on his face.

But his greatest joy in life was his beloved Greta, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage until her untimely passing in 2009. They first met at a dance hall in the early 60's and throughout their lives, when their music came on, they never missed the opportunity to trip the light fantastic. Roger told Greta, on their third date, that he was going to marry her. She told him he was crazy, but within a few months they were planning a life together. Roger was known for his perpetual smile and laughter, and even with Greta yelling his name, as if he was in trouble, it would light up his face followed by "Yes Dear" with a boisterous laugh. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving Roger are his children, Mark Salucco and his partner, Angela Toplack of Raymond, NH; David Salucco of Danvers; Karen FitzGerald and her husband, John of Middleton and Keri Frost and her husband, Brian of Tewksbury; his beloved grandchildren, Brittany and Kyle Salucco, Caitlyn and Ashley FitzGerald and Riley and Logan Frost and his sister, Linda Anderson. Roger was predeceased by his parents, loving wife and siblings, Florence Donovan, Carmen Salucco, Jr., Lilian Nicotera, Joseph Salucco and Jerry Salucco.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours which will be held from O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Friday, December 13th from 10:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. followed by his funeral service which will be held graveside at Wadsworth Cemetery, Summer St., Danvers at 2 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Roger's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.