Joseph Francis Salisbury Sr., 81

LEWES - Joseph Francis Salisbury Sr. of Lewes "has gone to a far, far better place than he has ever been," and died peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2007, in Harbor Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, Lewes. He was 81.

Mr. Salisbury was born Nov. 23, 1925, in New Brunswick, N.J.

His family moved to the Washington area. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School.

Due to his young age at graduation, Mr. Salisbury served a term as a page boy in the U.S. Senate. Following his service "on the Hill," he enrolled at the University of Notre Dame.

Shortly thereafter, he was called up for military service and had already indicated his preference for the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II, aiming for his pilot's license as part of the Naval Air Corps. However, the war ended, and he returned to Notre Dame to complete his college degree, graduating in 1948 with degrees in philosophy and economics. He graduated in 1951 with a law degree from Georgetown University Law School.

Mr. Salisbury spent several years with the U.S. Attorney's office, then worked on Capitol Hill on various committees. Following that work, he went into private practice. After several years, Congress created the Indian Claims Commission, where he worked as an assistant commissioner until his retirement in 1977.

Before and after retirement, he spent 22 years coaching baseball, from Little League-type baseball to American Legion teams, including coaching his namesake, Joe Jr., and his stepson, Paul Indeglia. When "Mr. Sals" (which was what all his teams called him) retired, American Legion Bethesda Post 105 had a special ceremony for him so that he would never forget how important he was to the team and to the Legion. (The Legion gave him a rocking chair and a case of beer so he could watch the Orioles games in prime comfort!)

In 1993, Mr. Salisbury moved to Lewes and the Woods on Herring Creek Community. He became involved with the community and its affairs, serving for many years as vice president of the Home Owners Association board of directors. He always referred to himself as "President-in-charge of Vice."

He is survived by a sister, Kathryn Salisbury of Lewes; seven children, Michael Salisbury of Tigard, Ore., Elizabeth and Matthew F. Salisbury of Virginia Beach, Va., Carol and James A. Salisbury of Shippensburg, Pa., Mary Salisbury Bieler and Thorsten Bieler of Hamburg, Germany, John A. Salisbury of Arlington, Va., Robyn and Joseph F. Jr. Salisbury of Damascus, Md., and Joann Salisbury Stocklin and Scott Stocklin of Northborough, Mass.; his wife of 21 years (his first marriage having ended in 1977), Katherine Wanless Indeglia Salisbury; his stepchildren and their spouses, Allegra and Vincent A. Indeglia, Christine and Robert A. Indeglia Jr., Paul A. Indeglia, and Karen and Marc A. Indeglia; 10 grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Mary Mother of Peace Catholic Church, Del. 24 at Oak Orchard Road, Millsboro.

Burial will be in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Millsboro.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Gull House (where Joe spent so many happy days and years), Senior Care Center, 38149 Terrace Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.