Hudson – Donald F. Saliga, 82, of Hudson, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Priscilla (Keenan) Saliga of Hudson.
Donald was born in Dedham, son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Teichman) Saliga. He was raised in Bedford,where he attended local schools and was a 1950 graduate of Lexington High School. He was a proud veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Navy for a short time, and later served in the U.S. Army.
He had resided in Hudson for the past 50 years and was the founder of Saliga Machine Company of Hudson which he owned and operated from 1964 until retiring in 1996 when he transferred the day to day operations to his children. He also was honored to serve as an Auxiliary Police Officer in Hudson for several years. He was a member of Saint Michael’s Parish in Hudson and former member of Christ the King Parish in Hudson.
Donald had many interests in his life besides the hard work and hours he devoted to his business. He enjoyed boating and camping with family members and friends. His passion was flying his plane whenever he had the opportunity. Most of all, he cherished spending time with his family, especially later with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be forever remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and doting grandfather, and fondly as the “life of the party” by all who knew him.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his eight children, Michael Saliga of Hudson, Mark Saliga and his wife Linda of Marlborough, Mary-Ellen Sherman and her husband Steven, Brian Saliga, Patrick Saliga and his wife Jill, John Saliga and his wife Nya, all of Hudson, Glen Saliga and his wife Zoi of North Carolina and Paul Saliga and his wife Paula of Hudson. He also leaves his 25 loving grandchildren; his five adoring great-grandchildren; and his adoptive daughter, Sandy Wooden and her husband Richard of Connecticut, along with many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m., in Saint Michael’s Church, 21 Manning St., Hudson. Burial will follow in Saint Michael’s Cemetery, Hudson. Family and friends may attend calling hour Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 5-8 p.m., at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donald may be made to Saint Michael’s Parish, 20 High St., Hudson.
