Salvatore Athanas passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on March 11, 2011. He was 88 years of age. Salvatore was born in Boston on September 12, 1922 to the late Louis & Constantina (Nastas) Athanas. He was raised in the West End of Boston, graduated from high school in Boston and has lived most of his life in Melrose. Sal served his country proudly in the US Army during WWII as a platoon sergeant under the command of George Patton in Africa. Mr. Athanas worked for the US Post Office as a postal inspector for over 30 years. He was a longtime member of St. Mary's Church, a member of the Melrose Elks, the VFW Harold O'Young Post # 2394 in Melrose and was past commander of the American Legion in Boston for many years. Sal was the beloved husband of 68 years to Concetta (Limone) Athanas. Loving father of Carol Crouse & her husband William of Ipswich, Ronald Athanas & his wife Donna of Manchester and Peter Athanas of Melrose. Proud grandfather of Michael Athanas & his wife Dorothy, Steven Athanas & his wife Jennifer all of Manchester, Shelby Turner & her husband Chris of Melrose and the late Marcella Athanas. Also survived by 8 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday, March 14th at 10:30AM. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Sal's life will be held at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 11AM. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. There will be a viewing on Monday morning from 9:00-10:30AM. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Memorial contributions in Sal's name may be made to American Parkinsons Disease, 720 Harrison Ave., Boston, 02118.