WESTOVER, Md.- Friends, family and colleagues are remembering the life of Chuck Salvas, a deputy with the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, who died from brain cancer late Tuesday night.
Julie Salvas of Westover is heartbroken after losing her husband of almost 10 years.
"It's very upsetting," Julie said. "I know that he is definitely in a better place, but I truly will miss him."
Chuck, who was 50, passed away peacefully inside their Westover home Tuesday night. His family was by his side. The couple has six children between the ages of 7 and 21. Tears fell down Julie's face as she recalled his final moments.
"I just held his hand, he took his last breath; it was very difficult, but we were all here," she said.
Chuck was first diagnosed with glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor, three years ago. He had three brain surgeries, but was re-diagnosed a year ago. Julie said doctors did not expect him to survive long, but Chuck fought hard and long for his life.
She said he was a family man, a faithful Christian and would give the clothes off his back to anyone who needed it.
Chuck retired from Maryland State Police after 26 years of service. He moved on to the Somerset County Sheriff's Office two years ago. He was a part-time deputy.
Somerset County Sheriff Ronnie Howard said he will truly be missed.
"Chuck was a very good friend to all of us," Howard said. "He was a very hard worker and had a great sense of humor."
The Salvas family documented Chuck's journey through its "Salvas Strong" campaign. In January, donations from organizations and people in the community poured into the Sheriff's Office to support the family.
Chuck's final wish was to take his children and wife on a trip to Disney World. With community support, that wish came true in January. Julie said it was nice to get their mind off of the reason they were there.
One of his daughters , Kayla Coons, said she will never forget the memories the family created.
"He's always going to be there, whether in flesh or in spirit," said Coons, whose eyes filled with tears.
Chuck's youngest daughter, 7-year-old Kamryn, wears a locket around her neck with his picture in it.
A viewing will be held at Emmanuel Wesleyan Church in Salisbury from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.
The funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
Interment will be at Rehoboth Presbytarian Church in Westover.
