Peter Salvatore was always ready to throw a party at his elegant Shore Acres home, with its panoramic view of the Narrows and endless rooms filled with antiques and artwork collected by his wife, Gail. In winter, it was a lavish New Year’s Eve black-tie bash with a seven-course meal.

In summer, it was a Fourth of July extravaganza with a patriotic parade through the tiny neighborhood off Bay Street. Guest lists approached 100. But for this self-made man and son of Italian immigrants, it wasn’t about the champagne and fireworks. It was about family and friends.