Henry (HAMBONE) Salvas passed away less than a month from his 100th birthday at the Veterans' Home in Holyoke on March 8, 2023. He was born in Springfield on April 5, 1923, to the late Joseph and Evana Salvas. As a teenager he was a member of the Connecticut Civilian Conservation corps in Stafford Connecticut.
Henry proudly served in the Army as a scout in the infantry and was wounded on D-day in Italy during WWII, where he received a Purple Heart. He was sent back to the combat lines but unable to continue due to his injury. He was then sent to Brazil where he defoliated planes leaving for the states to combat Malaria. He served in The United States Army from 1943-1945.
He is predeceased by his wife Helen Diaduk who passed in 1993. His sisters Leah Noel, Bernadette Cardin and Alice M. Scaife and his brothers, Leo, Harvey and Homer Salvas.
Henry worked for Springfield Laborers union Local 999 and was a 50 year plus member.
Henry enjoyed going to the horse and dog tracks for entertainment. He also enjoyed going to the casinos and would travel there with his friend Pat. They had so much fun playing the slot machines.
Henry was known as “the walker” after his retirement. He would walk every day for miles. Henry also enjoyed when his nephew John and his friend Marty would take him and their father, Jack Wilson out for lunch and laughs.
Henry moved to the Veteran’s Home in Holyoke, Massachusetts after suffering a fall. He resided there until his death. He developed many friendships with the staff, especially Sara the Fiddler.
At 96 years young , Henry was fortunate to travel on the honor flight to Washington DC with his favorite aide, Allison. He was able to meet his great niece Janice in DC. They saw all the war memorials, attractions, and the changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. It was a 24 hour travel event from Holyoke to Logan airport to Washington DC. As in typical Henry style, he stayed awake the whole trip and was the life of the party!
Henry is survived by his son, Jerry Salvas, and his lifelong partner, Lynne and her son Joey. Also Helen’s two daughters Janet Carestia of Baltimore, Maryland, and Ann Marie Dionisi of Sudbury, Massachusetts. His niece, Rita Tessier, and many other nieces and nephews. Henry will be missed by all.
Henry’s funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 15 at 10 AM at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial cemetery in Agawam with full military honors. Williamsburg funeral home in Haydenville is honored to help the family with Henry services.