Walter J. Nishanian, 84, of Turkey Hill Trail, died Saturday, March 15, 2008 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester surrounded by his family after a long illness.

   He leaves his wife of 45 years, Pauline D. (Buska) Nishanian; a daughter, Ella M. Cahill and her husband Robert of Rutland; two grandchildren, Shon P. Foley of Worcester, and Aileen Kitsalis and her husband John of Natick; a niece and a nephew. He was born in Worcester, son of Aaron J. and Bridget (McMahon) Nishanian, and lived in Rutland for 45 years.

   Walter was a Navy Veteran of WWII, serving in the North Atlantic and the European coast. He participated in the Normandy invasion, and earned a Silver Star saving a fellow sailor. He was Chief Signalman and served aboard PC618. He was a Yardmaster for Conrail and several other railroads for 38 years until his retirement in 1977. Walter was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, the Paxton VFW, the National Rifle Association, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman. The family would like to thank the staff at the St. Francis Home Adult Day Care for all their help and support.

   Relatives and friends are invited to a calling hour from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19th, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Francis Home, c/o ADH, 101 Plantation Street, Worcester MA 01604.