Walpole Obituary: Robert J. DeSavage

Robert J. DeSavage, a lifelong resident of Walpole, Massachusetts died in the Norwood Hospital on Sunday, July 15, 2012.

Son of the late Helen M. (Fedis) and Bernard F., and brother of the late Bernard F. Jr., Mr. DeSavage was born on August 7, 1944. A 1963 graduate of the Walpole School System, Mr. DeSavage also attended the Berklee College of Music, The Armed Forces School of Music, and the New England Institute of Applied Science.

Mr. DeSavage was employed at the Norwood Post Office, serving as a letter carrier.

In the mid-sixties, Mr. DeSavage served in the U.S. Navy as a musician. Being an avid musician, he continued his career working in many orchestras. During his enlistment in the Navy, Mr. DeSavage was a trumpet and flugelhorn soloist in the various bands that he served. Among the many tours that he participated in, he toured the country of Ethiopia and performed before Emperor Haille Selasee.

Being a person of many interests, Mr. DeSavage was proficient in the art of stained glass. He taught stained glass crafting for many years within the Walpole Adult Education program. Of note are the triangular windows on the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, which he and his friend Ed Ayoub worked together to create.

Mr. DeSavage was active in many organizations. There include membership in several Masonic Lodges. A 32nd Degree Mason, Mr. DeSavage was a member of the Valley of Boston Consistory, the Mt. Zion Royal Arch Chapter, and the Aleppo Shrine. He was Past Master of the Sharon Lodge of Masons, located in Sharon, Massachusetts.

Mr. DeSavage was a member of the Navy Musician’s Association, an organization that includes current and former United States Navy Musicians.

His wife Jacqueline (Conway), who died in 1990, predeseases Mr. DeSavage. He leaves his daughters, Gabrielle Heath of Bridgewater and Heather DeSavage of Willimantic, CT. He is the grandfather of Ian and Logan Heath, and father in law of Terry Heath. Mr. DeSavage also leaves a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.