Francis A. Tardiff
8/4/2008


Salem: Francis A. Tardiff age 96 of Salem, died Monday morning, August 4, 2008 at the in Peabody. He was the husband of the late Rita M.A. (Levesque) Tardiff, with whom he had shared 66 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Francois J. and Albina (Ouellette) Tardiff. Frank first worked for the former A. Goos Co. of Salem and later for Leach & Heckel of Peabody. A veteran of W.W. II, he served with the Army in England, Africa and Italy and was awarded the Purple Heart. Following the war he returned to Salem and continued working for Leach & Heckel Leather Co. until 1954. That year he began working for Malz Leather Co. also of Peabody, until his retirement in 1975.
Frank’s hobby was raising parakeets especially show birds. He was known as the ‘Bird Man’ of Salem from 1957 through 1987. Frank had been a resident of Landmark at Oceanview in Beverly for the past several years.
He is survived by 2 sons: Gerard F. Tardiff and his wife Linda of Salem, Richard J. Tardiff and his wife Maryanna of Salisbury, 6 grandchildren: Catherine Bradbury, Gregory F. Tardiff, Sarah A. Tardiff, John Davidson, Richard A. Tardiff and Melissa R. Tardiff. He is also survived by a great-granddaughter Kyla Bradbury and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 2 brothers: Robert and Paul Tardiff and 2 sisters: Lillian Leger and Alice LaVallee.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 8 am, at the Levesque Funeral Home, 163 Lafayette St., [Rt. 114 / 1-A] Salem followed by his funeral Mass in Ste. Anne Church, Salem at 9 am. Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4 to 8 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ste. Anne Parish Music Ministry, 290 Jefferson Ave,, Salem, MA 01970. For additional information and guestbook, please visit www.levesquefunerals.com
Sign
View Guest Book
Driving Directions
Print Page
Share
Levesque Funeral Home
163 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA USA 01970
978-744-2270