Edward Raymond Salzetti

Edward Raymond Salzetti passed away peacefully in his home in Salt Lake City, surrounded by some of his loved ones, on the afternoon of June 28th 2019. He will be missed very much by those who loved and cared for him.

Edward was born of Italian Immigrant parents, Serafino and Genoveffa Ciccone Salzetti, in the mining town of Sunnyside, Utah on July 15, 1922.

He attended schools in Sunnyside, played the saxophone and also played basketball on the High School team.

He was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1942. He was assigned to the 48th Tank Battalion, of the 14th Armor Division where he received training in the Tennessee Maneuver Area and Armor training at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. The members of the 48th Tank Battalion left for Europe in the fall of 1944. They entered war at Marseille France in November of that year. They fought north through France during one of the coldest winters of record. From there they turned east and crossed the Rhine River on pontoons at Worms, France and proceeded to Darmstadt, Germany. The 48th Tank Battalion continued east and south towards Nuremburg then south to Munich and Berchtesgaden. Edward witnessed the horrors of Dachau and the beauty of Berchtesgaden after arriving in southern Germany.

Edward met Paula Gah shortly after WII ended in May of 1945. He was traveling along the autobahn in his Jeep and saw this petite young woman pushing her bicycle. He later saw her at a dance in Munich. They continued to meet at dances that were held in the various German towns, many sponsored by the military. They fell in love and married on November 12, 1947. They were married for nearly 67 years until her death on July 18, 2014.

Edward went to work for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (NRRA) after being discharged in February of 1946. He was assigned as the supervisor for the supply and transportation of a hospital. The NRRA was formed to help those who had been displaced by the ravages of WII. The majority of the people came from concentration and labor camps. After working for the United Nations, he worked as a Department Supervisor of high value items (jewelry etc.), in a large warehouse for the Army Exchange (PX) System. Material of all kinds from all over Europe came into this large warehouse, was sorted and distributed throughout the European Theatre.

Edward and Paula were required to leave Germany within 30 days of their marriage; a policy of the Allied Command at that time. That restriction was lifted within three months after they arrived in the United States.

They lived with Guido and Rose in Spring Glen, Edward's brother and sister-in-law, for a few months, until they could get on their feet. It was difficult finding work right after the war.

After Edward found work at Kaiser in the maintenance department, they rented an attic in a house in Spring Glen. They used orange crates for cupboards and obtained a limited amount of used furniture.

They saved their money and eventually purchased a house at 461 College Avenue in Price. After saving and building equity in their home they contacted Orson Gygi in Salt Lake City and obtained a franchise for a drive-in. They built the Polar King on 2340 S State, Salt Lake City. Nephews and nieces were always welcomed for a free sandwich or shake or both. They operated this for many years. They were also successful in other businesses. They were also able to travel throughout Europe several times and enjoyed it very much.

Edward was a gentle, humble, kind and generous man. He also had a good sense of humor. He was known for his integrity and dependability. He had a positive outlook on life, was self taught and had many talents. He qualified for an airplane license and flew small airplanes for pleasure. He was able to repair almost anything. He is a war hero, but did not think of himself as such. He loved Carbon County and had many good memories of the county of his roots.

He is survived by his brother Raymond of East Carbon and many nieces and nephews and their spouses and children.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and older siblings. He was also preceded by Gaylene Ori who passed away recently. She was very close to he and Paula. He worried about her failing health and loved her very much.

Edward preferred to stay at home when he became limited in his physical abilities. His nieces and nephews and their families and some friends gave loving care to him during this period of time.

Funeral services and military honors will be held Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at noon at the Veterans Cemetery, 17111 S Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah.

We wish to express appreciation to Dr. Wilson and staff of the Cardiology Department and many others too numerous to list at the University of Utah. We also wish to express appreciation to Horizon Home Health and Heartwood Home Health and Hospice staffs for their kind care to Edward. Jo Vasic, thank you so much.

Larkin Mortuary, thank you for the dignified manner in which you have cared for Edward.