Ipswich….

Walter A. Slaven, age 92, husband of the late Mary (Birmingham) Slaven of Ipswich, died at home unexpectedly on Thursday morning, May 6, 2010.

Born raised and educated in Beverly, the son of the late Charles and Esther (McEachern) Slaven, he was graduated from Beverly High School. After attending the co-op trade school, Mr. Slaven joined the United States Navy in 1938 and proudly served his country for seven years through World War II until being honorably discharged in 1945. He was then employed at the United Shoe Machine Corporation for 35 years until retiring in 1980.

He is survived by two sons Robert Walter Slaven and his wife Christine of Stuart, FL and William John Slaven of Ipswich; a daughter Maureen Catherine Slaven of Ipswich; three grandchildren Patrick Slaven of Brooklyn, NY, Maura Slaven of Baton Rogue, LA and Ryan Slaven of Ipswich; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Dorothy O'Donnell.

His funeral will be held on Monday at 10:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 290 North St, Salem (Rte 114 on the Salem /Peabody line) . Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Senior Care, 5 Blackburn Cir, Gloucester, MA 01930. For online guest book or additional information, please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.