SPRINGFIELD – Charles R. “Rudy” Salvas, 87, a resident of the East Springfield section of Springfield since 1944, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. He passed into Eternal Life at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family and his wonderful caregivers. He was born at home on Dale Street in the Aldenville section of Chicopee on August 25, 1926, a beloved son of the late Charles J. and Yvonne (Beaudoin) Salvas. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the young age of 17, and served his country during World War II attaining the rank of Seaman First Class. He received the American Theatre Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following his military service where he was schooled as a Dental Technician, he returned to Springfield and was employed at the former Art Dental Laboratory and later at the former Tovet Dental Laboratory, both in Springfield. During his younger years, he was a baseball coach for the Saint Mary Little League in East Springfield and during his leisure time, Rudy enjoyed traveling to Canada and Lake George. He also enjoyed spending time roller skating, bowling, hunting and fishing. An avid sports fan, Rudy was always ready to attend or watch a good hockey or baseball game. He was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend, Mary T. (Santaniello) Salvas who was Called Home on September 26, 2012. They were married on June 24, 1944 at Saint Patrick Church in the Thompsonville section of Enfield, Connecticut and were blessed with over 68 years of happiness together. Besides his parents and his wife, he was also predeceased by his loving son, Rudolph R. “Rudy” Salvas who was Called Home on January 11, 2012. He leaves his devoted daughter-in-law, Patricia L. Salvas of Springfield; his two cherished grandchildren, Robert F. Salvas and his wife, Lisa, of Ludlow, and Jennifer A. Ross and her husband, Jeff, of Springfield; his four cherished great-grandchildren, Michael and Elizabeth Salvas and Justin and Jenna Ross; his dear sister-in-law, Virginia Rae of Wilbraham; his dear extended family members, Marie Pervonga and her partner, Ted Robidoux, of Springfield; and his many dear nephews, nieces, and cousins. His family would like to thank the caring staff of the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center who were so attentive to his care and who were there by his side to assist him during his Journey Home. His funeral will be held on Friday morning, September 13, 2013 beginning at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107, (funeral home will open at 10:15 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon offered by the Catholic Community of Saint Elizabeth at Saint John the Baptist Church, 191 Hubbard Street, Ludlow, MA 01056. His Committal Service with Navy Military Honors will follow the Mass at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. His family has requested that memorial donations be made in his memory to Saint Elizabeth Parish, 181 Hubbard Street, Ludlow, MA 01056. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com