Edward Harvey Saba, 91, of Huntsville, passed away at his home on September 9, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Jean, Saba, son, David E. Saba of Huntsville, daughters, Carol S. Knox (John) of Athens, AL, and Nancy E. Elliott (Charles), of Nailsea, England; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, George E. Saba of Voorheesville, NY; sister, Ruth Dimick of Johnson City, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Janni Saba, daughter, Doris Jean Rush, granddaughter, Emily Rush, brother, Andrew Saba, and sister, Mary Hill.
Ed was born in Johnson City, NY and was a World War II and Korean War veteran. After each war, Ed resumed working at IBM in Endicott, NY and relocated to Huntsville, AL in 1966 and then Essex Junction, VT in 1977. He retired to Huntsville after 41 years with IBM where he volunteered with the American Red Cross for many years.
Ed was also a lifelong musician and participated in several bands during his life. He played in the IBM Band, Endicott Johnson Band, and the Moose Drum and Bugle Corp during his time in Johnson City. During the Korean War, he was a member of the 308th Army Reserve Band at Camp Edwards, MA. Throughout his first stay in Huntsville he was active in the Huntsville Concert Band, the University of Alabama in Huntsville Brass Band and the Charlie Lyle Dance Band. While in Vermont, he was a member of the Burlington Concert Band, the University of Vermont Band, Williston Concert Band, and American Winds Concert Band. After his retirement to Huntsville, he was a member of the Huntsville Concert Band, The Bavarian Sauerkrauts, Shriners Dance Band, the First Baptist Church Orchestra and the Olde Town Brass Band which was a group playing instruments and music authentic to the Civil War. Ed was also active in music organizations: U.S. Windjammers and the Association of Concert Bands where he was on the Board of Directors and received a Life Membership.
Ed was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family and friends. The family thanks Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and care along with thanks to Ed’s special friends, Nicole, Martina, Shaunda, and Karen.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Monday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral will immediately follow in the chapel with Pastor Don Paris of Sherwood Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Huntsville Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
