Darwin L. Salls

WARE - Darwin L. Salls, 87 of Ware formerly of Warren, Athol & Savannah TN, passed away Friday, October 26, 2012, on his birthday, at Holyoke Soldier's home, comfort care unit, after a courageous battle with cancer. He had family members at his bedside to offer him comfort. Darwin was born in Morrisville, Vt. October 26, 1925, the son of the late Cecil E. Salls and Beatrice (Guyette) Salls.             Darwin served as a radioman in the US Navy during World War II, aboard the USS Frederick C. Davis- De 136, which was torpedoed and sunk in the North Atlantic on April 24, 1945.(The last US warship destroyed by enemy action in the WWII European Theater)  Darwin was one of the few survivors. For this action Darwin was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Darwin was a life member of the VFW and American Legion, Darwin was also a member of the DAV.             Darwin worked ND Cass, Temple Oil, and Union Twist Drill; However for the last 23 years before his retirement Darwin his own heating company and customers, also contracting out to other companies for emergency burner service             Darwin survived his wife of 53 years, Carolyn (Tanski) Salls, deceased: May 24, 2004. Darwin last lived in Ware, MA with his two sisters: Marie Comptoise, and Pat Fenner who assisted and helped care for him during his sickness until it became necessary to move him to hospice care at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, MA.             Darwin is survived by his 7 children: Donald Salls and his wife Valerie of Savannah TN, Cheryl Jefferson and her husband Ben Greene, of Athol, Ma.; David Salls of Boston; Douglas Salls of Athol; Lori LaRhette and her fiancé Ron of Northfield; Heidi McCassie and her husband David of Northfield, and Daren and Carrie Salls, of Elwood City Pa. Darwin is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.           Darwin loved the many visits from his family and friends, and the many cards and calls he received from his sons who lived out of state. He particularly enjoyed the numerous fishing trips and picnics, spending time with his children and grandchildren while fishing at the Quabbin. Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 6:00pm - 8:00 pm., at the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange.  Darwin will be buried at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Winchendon, MA at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38101 or Hospice Life Care VNA, 113 Hampton St., Holyoke, MA, 01040    Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });