Buffalo Ledger

Russell J. Salvatore served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 and achieved the rank of Corporal. Mr. Salvatore, a veteran of the Army and resident of Williamsville, New York, served his country with distinction and continues to support and honor veterans throughout the community today.

Over the years, Mr. Salvatore has supported numerous organizations, including the Diocese of Buffalo, Trocaire College School of Hospitality, Erie County Medical Center, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Oishei Children's Hospital, Sister's Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Hospital. His donations have funded new facilities and building renovations and included "Free to Patient" flat-screen TVs, transport vans for the American Red Cross, and 10 patient vans to transport veterans to various destinations.

Mr. Salvatore hopes his lasting legacy to the community will be the "Patriots and Heroes Park" he created outside his restaurant and hotel in Williamsville. The park includes works by longtime artist and friend Don Parrino that recognize those who served this country bravely, including Purple Heart recipients. The park also features a Gold Star Memorial, a replica of Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and a tribute to the Battle of the Bulge. Monuments are dedicated to victims of the 9/11 tragedy and those who died in the crash of Flight 3407 in Buffalo in 2009.

A child of immigrant parents, Mr. Salvatore started in the restaurant business at his father's East Delevan Avenue location in the 1930s. In 1967, he sold his home and purchased a small pizza business that later became Salvatore's Italian Gardens. After leaving that business at age 75, he opened Russell’s Steaks, Chops, and More as well as Salvatore’s Grand Hotel in 2008.

Mr. Salvatore is known for his immense generosity to countless charities as a leading philanthropist, donating close to $10 million over the years. He remains a steadfast supporter of veterans throughout the community and has earned admiration and respect across Western New York.