William Francis Saars

In New Haven, February 28, 2004, William Francis Saars of 111 Park St., formerly of Manwaring Rd., Niantic, husband of Sylvia Hershatter Saars. Born in East Haven, Dec. 19, 1908, he was the son of the late John E. and Olive Slatert Saars. An early exposure to Radio in the 1930's lead to various courses in electroncs and electromagnetics and when W.W.II started, Bill became involved in sound recordings for military purposes with the Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory in Fort Trumbull. His thirty years as a Federal Employee with the Navy lead to four patents in the field of sound recording and magnetic tape recording systems. He has received many Commendations and service awards for outstanding Performance. A active member for many years of The Niantic Comunity Church, he was the Moderator of the Town Meetings in East Lyme and served on the Zoning and Planning Commissions. With a deep interest in history, he was a member of the New London County Historical Society, The CT League of Historical Societies, Mystic Seaport - Marine Historical Assoc., The Naval Historical Society and the New Haven Civil War Round Table. A Past Master of Union Lodge # 31, A.F. & A.M., in Niantic, he became Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, A.F. & A.M. in 1973. He was a member of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Norwich and many other Masonic organizations. Beside his wife Sylvia, he is survived by two daughters; Patricia Bruning of Knxville, MD and Cathryn Imbriani, two sisters, Mary spears of West Haven and Alice Goodrich of North Haven. He is a grandfather, great- grandfather and an uncle. He was prececeased by a brother, Ernest Saars. Funeral service at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN on Wednesday, March 3rd at 11 A.M. Friends may call on Tuesday, from 5 - 7 P.M. A Masonic Service by Union Lodge # 31, A.F. & A.M. will be held at 7 P.M. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Masonic Charity Foundation, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to the Jewish Home for the Aged, 169 Davenport Ave., New Haven, CT 06510.