Anthony V. Salvo, a longtime local teacher turned Salem mayor, died Monday at Salem Hospital following a brief illness. He was 89. “Always a gentleman, Mayor Salvo loved Salem with a spirit of dedication that few could match,” wrote Mayor Kim Driscoll of her predecessor twice removed in a Facebook post Monday. “His tireless efforts, both in public service and as a volunteer in numerous capacities and his profound commitment to our city have left this community a better place.”

A son of Salem born to a local family with a penchant for public service, Salvo was the city’s 47th and first Italian-American mayor. He entered Salem City Hall’s corner office in 1984 after voters elected him over incumbent Jean Levesque in 1983. At the time, he had never held political office before.