Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

After reading the reflections from your children I had to take a moment to reflect and try to think of something to say that could address the love and honor I felt. What a wonderful and loving tribute to a true hero and outstanding father. My heart was touched and my day made better to know that there is still that kind of love in such a troubled world. Rest in peace Brother John, you are a true hero and will not be forgotten.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham
Sand Springs Police Dept. Okla

November 6, 2003

Hi Dad,

I just wanted to let you know how much I miss you and love you. So much has happend in our lives since you have been gone. You have no idea how much you are missed. I like to think that if you were here you would be very proud of what we all have become. I'm married to a wonderful man named Jason and we have the most beautiful son named Anthony James. He is named Anthony after you. I think that if you were to meet Jason the two of you would for sure hit it off. We always laugh that Anthony would be butter in your hands. I have to say the two most important events in my life so far were bittersweet. When we had Anthony I wanted so bad for you to be there and to see the glow in your eyes when you held him for the first time. We make sure that Anthony knows who you are. We show him your picture and he knows you are Popo. I would give anything for Anthony & Jason to get to meet you. When I got married, we knew this would be tough. The only person in my life that deserved the honor to stand in your place was your handsome son, Johnny. He was so sweet. I wrote you a letter on our wedding program and had a mass said in your honor. The letter said....." Dear Dad, Today as I make my vows to Jason as my husband in font of God, our family and friends, I will make a vow to you that I will love and cherish my family the way I was taught by you. Even though today I will change my name, I will always be proud and honored to be the daughter of John & Marybess Salvaggio. My only sadness today is your physical absence in my life and in the life of Jason & Anthony. You will forever be in my heart and I will always be your baby girl. Love, Virginia" We did really well. We all kept it together until the reception. In lure of the "father/daughter" dance, I did the "Uncles/Bride" dance. We dance to good old Frank Sanatria, and it really got to me. I think it got to everyone.
Like I said you would be poud of us to see who we have become. You would be very proud of Johnny, he looks just like you. Johnny has turned into a wonderful person. He has your witty sense of humor and mom's big heart. Cathy is doing wonderful as well. She is getting married next June to a great guy. His name is Jerry he is so wonderful to Cathy and our family. We think you would really like him too. I think that they will happy forever. Mom....what about mom....She has done the most wonderful job. I can't begin to even tell you. All I know is that I try to be JUST like her with Anthony. Mom really misses you too. She has a great boyfriend named Bernie, he has been so wonderful to mom and all of us. I don't think you could have picked someone better yourself. Mom had raised us all to be wondeful adults. Her influance and strength I think have had a huge impact of us. I know that when you look down on her you are very proud of her, we are. I know that one day we will all be together again. I miss you so much and I think about you everday. I love you dad! Love, Virginia

Virginia Salvaggio-Manlove

John,

I just wanted to let you and your family know that I have not forgotten the good times that we had working together at the Houston Police Dept. NW Substation. It seems like just yesterday that you and I were working traffic enforcement along 290 & I10. I think of you everytime that I drive along I10 near Bingle Rd. You were one of the finest men I have ever known. I would have probably been with you that night if I had not resigned in 1989. I will never forget you, you were a good friend.

Darryl Darnell, Enforcement Agent
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Dear Dad,
I know that we haven't been around alot,but even though you died when I was only a baby. My life has had it's goods and bads without you,like when I see my best friend Nick Muery and his dad I fall apart. Mom's dating a guy named Bernie,Cathy say if she didn't know any better she would think it was you. I have followed in your footsteps without even noticing. Mom said that I act just like you well now I play football, baseball, and basketball. Even though I barely knew you I miss you the most, because I didn't know you at all

Sincerly your loving son
John Anthony Salvaggio

Johnny Salvaggio

Dear Dad,
Hi...it's been a while since we've spoken, but it seems like only yesterday when we were laughing and joking around together. I miss you so much, that sometimes it still hurts inside, like a part of me that will never be healed. I'm getting better though, I've realized the importance of talking about you and what happened to our family and how it helps me to learn and to grow. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that I'm doing OK now...I think you would be very proud of me (I hope). I'm teaching now, 5th grade language arts, and I really love the school that I'm at! It's actually fun to get up and go to work in the morning! Now I know that's why you wanted to be a police officer, because you loved what you did too. I have the most amazing, wonderful, sweet, intelligent, kind boyfriend too. His name is Jerry, and I just know that you would love him dad. He makes me very happy, and I am a better person when he's around. I know he will take care of me, the same way you took care of mom. I would like to someday have the same kind of marriage that you and mom had. I really loved the way you took care of each other, and laughed together too. That's really important...to remember to laugh once-in-a-while because we know all too well that life is full of suprises, both good and bad. I love you dad, and I wish more than anything that you could be here with all of us, but deep down, I know you're still with me, in my heart. I know you are watching over our family, keeping us safe just like you always did.

Your daughter,
Cathy :)

Cathy Salvaggio

WHAT A GREAT GUY. I MISS THE MIDNIGHT COFFEE BREAKS AND TALKS ABOUT FISHING WITH JOHN.

INVESTIGATOR
HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY