Katherine “Jean” Salvato, 88, of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2026.

Jean was born Katherine “Jean” Peluso on August 5, 1938, in the Bronx, New York, to John and Johanna Peluso. She graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan and began working shortly thereafter.

Jean met the love of her life, Bill Salvato, and they were married on October 4, 1958. Together, they raised four children, first in Rockland County, New York, before moving their family to Boca Raton in 1978.

Jean’s Catholic faith was a very important part of her life and provided a source of strength and comfort throughout the years. Her faith was woven into the fabric of her life and family, guiding her values and the love, kindness, and generosity she showed to others.

Jean's greatest joy was having her family around her. Everyone knew they could stop by anytime and would always be welcomed with lunch and her famous “one and one” (a hamburger and a hot dog). Her Italian subs and chicken parmigiana were legendary, as was her potato salad. Holidays were special occasions that everyone looked forward to, with an abundance of food, laughter, and family togetherness. Jean's boundless energy and dedication to making sure everyone had everything they needed were truly remarkable.

Family vacations aboard the boat to the Bahamas and the Florida Keys were no exception. Jean was always the first one up and the last one to bed, making sure everyone was fed, happy, and that the boat was spotless. Taking care of others was simply who she was.

Jean also cherished the time she spent with her nieces and nephews, Patty, Jimmy, Jo, and Tommy. Those family relationships were special to her, and she treasured the memories and time they shared together.

Jean was the heart and matriarch of her family. Affectionately known as “Nan,” she was deeply involved in the lives of her husband, children, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Her love, generosity, and devotion to her family were constants throughout her life. She created a home where everyone was welcome, memories were made, and no one ever left hungry. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the traditions and memories she created will live on for generations.

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill. She is survived by her four children: Bill (Jackie), Jeannie (BL), Rich (Amanda), and John (Micki); her nine grandchildren: Chase, Sammy, Billy, Bryan, Brett, Brooke, JT, Shea, and Bree; and her seven great-grandchildren: Carson, Walker, Olivia, Parker, Kai, Riley, and Emma.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, November 4, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 5, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 380 South Federal Highway, Deerfield Beach, Florida. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 South State Road 7, Lake Worth, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org, or that you honor Jean's memory by performing an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate.

Jean's greatest legacy was her family, and the love she gave so freely will live on in all of them.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to:

Gary Panoch Funeral Home

6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487

561-997-8580

www.gpanochfunerals.com

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