John DeSalvo of Ashland died unexpectedly after a long healthy life of 96 years. He was the son of the late Giuseppe and Francesca DeSalvo, brother of the late Grace Salvetti and Larry DeSalvo and the grandfather of the late Jesse Graves. He is survived by his wife Phyllis of 74 years and his brother Sam DeSalvo and his wife Elaine of Wells, Maine, his daughter Elaine and her husband Robert Roberti of Ashland, his daughter Janice and her husband Robert Graves of Tucson, AZ and Dennis Port, MA and his son John DeSalvo and his wife Mary of Ashland. He leaves behind six grandchildren; Troy Barlous and his wife Diane of Tucson, AZ, Sharon Bennett and her husband Barry of Ashland, Rob Roberti and his wife Maureen of Ashland, Tracy Byrnes and her husband Bobbo of Huntington Beach, California, John E. DeSalvo Jr. and his wife Gorette of Westboro and Tom DeSalvo of Ashland. Seven great grandchildren; Jennifer Oswald and her husband Mickey of AZ, Troy Barlous II of AZ, Michael and Matthew Roberti of Ashland and Casey, Corey and Abby Bennett of Ashland. He also leaves one great, great granddaughter Olivia Oswald of AZ and many nieces and nephews. He has finally reached the heaven he has been praying for but he will be sorely missed. He never failed to let his family know how much they were loved. We will miss his hugs and squeezes. He was an instrument maker at the US Army Natick Research and Development Laboratories in Natick, MA for more than 30 years before retiring in 1983. He was a graduate of the Institute for Certification of Engineering Technicians, Washington, DC. He earned engineering awards and special act service awards as well as acknowledgements and high praise by American and foreign scientists in their published papers for his outstanding contributions to their scientific projects. He was recognized for designing and building several prototypes for these scientists. He served as president of the Natick Laboratories union local. He was a member of the American Legion and served in an artillery unit the U.S. Army in World War II. He was a member of the MIT Soaring Association, an organization dedicated to helping it's members learn and enjoy the sport of glider soaring. He loved to bowl and was active in Ashland Little League circles. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, August 25th between 5:00 and 7:00 pm at the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street in Ashland. A funeral mass will take place at St. Cecilia's Church, 54 Esty Street in Ashland on Wednesday, August 26th at 9:00 am. Visiting will also be an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in John's name may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.