Francis X. Salter, 91 May 15, 1932 - September 12, 2023

HAVERHILL – Francis Xavier Salter, 91, cherished husband of the late Janet M. (Donahue) Salter, died at home, on Tuesday, September 12, after a period of declining health.

Loving son of Richard H. and Margaret J. (McManus) Salter, Francis graduated from St. James High School in 1950. He served as a radio engineer in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, then as a police officer in Haverhill. Following an on-duty injury, Francis left the force to clerk at the U.S. Post Office, before joining Western Electric (AT&T/Lucent) in North Andover, where he worked for 28 years, retiring as a quality-control engineer in 1996.

A lifelong parishioner of St. James Church, Francis was a daily communicant until his health began to fail; he also treasured weekly Holy Hours before the Blessed Sacrament. He served the parish in many ways, from altar boy to “bean counter.” He considered it a humbling, grace-filled honor to serve as Extraordinary Minister and to bring Holy Communion to the sick. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus and volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul.

Francis’s greatest joys were his faith, his beloved wife of 53 years, and his family. A modest man with a quick wit, Francis was a beautiful example of love in action. He selflessly used his talents to serve the Lord and others, never counting the cost. He was an avid letter writer and spent many happy summers vacationing with family at Ossipee Lake in Freedom, NH. Francis knew the value of a kind word and a warm smile. He was a friend to all. He will be deeply missed.

Francis is survived by his children, Gerard F. Salter (and wife Requi) of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Marie A. Salter of Haverhill; loving twin and “better half,” Sister M. Joseph Francis, CSJ; sister-in-law Anne M. Salter; grandchildren, Edie (and husband Austin Ewing), Matthew, Emily, Audrey, Michael, and Regan; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Francis was preceded in death by his siblings, J. Joseph Salter and Mary M. Filipowicz.

The family wishes to thank all who have assisted in Francis’s care these past years, especially those who have so generously prayed for him.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, September 19, from 5 PM until 7 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 20, at 10 AM at St. James Church, 185 Winter Street, Haverhill. Burial to follow at St. James Cemetery, 360 Primrose Street, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. James Parish, 6 Cottage Street, Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com.