HERKIMER-Donald M. Salisbury (Major, US Air Force retired) age 76 of Jeffrey Street entered into eternal rest on Tuesday morning September 21, 2004 in his home after long illness. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on February 10, 1928 in Oneonta, son of the late Oliver and Mildred Vincent Knight. Don with his family moved to Herkimer at an early age. He attended Herkimer public schools. In 1945 he enlisted in the US Navy and was Honorably discharged at the end of World War II. He then returned home and completed his high school education graduating from Herkimer High School with the class of 1947. On June 10, 1950 he married Dolores Donato in Middleville. Don then furthered his education enrolling in Colgate University and graduating in 1954. He was then commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force where he had served in Vietnam. His military career ended in 1972 being Honorably Discharged with the rank of Major. Among his numerous decorations and awards were the World War II Victory and American Theatre Medals, Air Medal with Clusters, Meritus Service and Air Force Commendation Medals. Mr. Salisbury had a strong sense of community. He was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer, a fifty-four member of Herkimer Lodge # 423 Free and Accepted Masons, a forty-five year member of Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439 B.P.O.E., a lifemember of Michael Pliseck Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 1459, Herkimer, the Cold Brook American Legion, The Retired Officers Association, 62nd Troop Carrier Wing Association and Sampson Salts World War II Navy Veterans. He held leadership roles in many organizations including Past Commander of Adirondack Post 1118, American Legion and Herkimer County American Legion and presently county Judge Advocate. He held positions of County Treasurer, 5th District Vice Commander, Department of New York Sergeant at-Arms, and served three years on the Board of Directors of the American Legion Boys State of New York. To all that knew him they will remember his warm smile and friendly way. He was a friend to many and will never be forgotten. Surviving are his loving wife of fifty-four years Dolores, two daughters, Toni Salisbury of Kingston, RI, Dinah Maxwell of Newport, one son Dean and his wife Deborah Salisbury of Budd Lake, NJ, a sister, Joan and her husband Jack Gerwig of NC, five grandchildren, Joshua Maxwell of SanDiego, CA, Jacob Maxwell of Newport, Michael, Alexis and Donato Salisbury of Budd Lake, NJ, three sister-in-laws, Ida Shaul of Herkimer, Catherine Rickles of CA, Jacqualien and her husband Anthony Annotto of Herkimer, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Audrey, and two stepfathers Howard Salisbury and Alvin Schrader. Funeral service with Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 am in Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. The Reverend Paul Bailey, Rector will officiate. Mr. Salisbury will then be laid to rest with full military honors in Oak Hill Cemetery. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer to receive relatives and friends on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The following organizations are asked to meet at the funeral home for ritualistic services: Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439 at 7:00 pm, Herkimer Lodge # 423 F. &A.M. at 7:30 pm, Michael Pliseck VFW Post # 1459 at 6:45 pm.