Salvatore J. Savarino passed away at his home in Melrose on January 15, 2013 at the age of 86. Mr. Savarino was born in Wakefield on July 11, 1926 to the late Rosario & Florence (Turco) Savarino. He was raised in Wakefield and Melrose, graduated from Melrose High School and attended Boston Trade School. Sal entered the US Navy after high school and served on the destroyer DD830 Everett F. Larson, fighting in the South Pacific during WWII. He and his fellow seaman was the original crew called "Plank Owners", because they were the first crew members to operate the ship when it was commissioned at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Later on in life, at the age of 63, Sal with the help of others organized the first reunion of all his shipmates in 1989. It was an emotional reunion since they had not seen each other in over 50 years. He continued on with the tradition, organizing and attending many reunions across the United States over the years. Mr. Savarino started his career working as a welder at the Charlestown Navy Yard. He went on to work for several Boston contractors learning his trade before starting his own business in the 1950's. Sal owned and operated S.J. Savarino Masonry and General Contracting, building homes and commercial buildings in Boston, Cambridge, Greater Boston, Magnolia, Gloucester and the North Shore. He was a member of the Boston Home Builders Association, was a member of the Saugus/Everett Elks and the VFW Harold O'Young Post #2394 in Melrose, where he was an accomplished card player. Mr. Savarino was an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting and pistol shooting, for which he received several awards, was lifetime member of the Melrose Fish & Game Club, a life member of Woburn Sportsman Club, a member of the Greater Boston Pistol League, G.O.A.L. and a proud member of the NRA. He was an excellent cook, had a great sense of humor, could fix anything, loved to garden and grow Jade plants and was an accomplished wine maker. He enjoyed sharing his different wines with family and friends. But above all he was a "Great Family Man". Sal was the devoted husband of the late Mary L. (DiSano) Savarino. Loving father of James R. Savarino of N. Andover, John J. Savarino of Reading, Paul R. Savarino & his wife Charlene of NJ and the late Michael O. Savarino. Beloved grandfather of James, Olivia, Danielle, Joseph, Angela, Natalie & Paul. Loving companion of 24 years to Donna Kendall of Danvers. Brother of the late Betty Scanlon, Louis Savarino & Rosario Savarino Jr. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Saturday, January 19th, at 9AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St. Wakefield, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday from 4:00-8:00PM. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St. Danvers, MA 01923.