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SOUTH DEERFIELD - Charles Frank Sadoski II, 90, of 342 River Road, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Hampshire County Dialysis Center in Northampton.

Charles was born July 29, 1921, in South Deerfield at the family farm, the son of the late Charles and Julia (Grybko) Sadoski.

Charles was employed as an inspector for Bendix Corp. in Greenfield for 25 years, retiring in 1982. Previously he worked as a master carpenter restoring many historic homes in Old Deerfield. He also owned and operated the 82-acre family farm in South Deerfield.

After graduating from the Shelton Gunnery School in Newport, Va., he served in the U.S Navy during World War II as a third class gunner's mate in the Asiatic, European, Pacific, African and Middle Eastern theaters.

He also took part in the battle at Normandy, France. During his tour of duty, Charles traveled much of the world, including Casablanca; London; North Africa; the Rock of Gilbraltar; the Mediterrean Sea; Naples, Italy; the Suez Canal; the Persian Gulf; Port of Kuwait; Cape Town, South Africa; southern France; Rio de Janeiro; and Brazil.

After completing his tour of duty he was discharged, earning several distinguished service awards. These awards included the Victory Medal with two stars, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater of War European-African Ribbon, the Mid-Eastern Theater of War Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of War Ribbon and the Pacific Theater of War Ribbon.

Charles was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Post 3295 Hale-Clapp Post, South Deerfield. As a member of the VFW, he actively participated as a standard bearer in uniform, marching annually in the local Veterans Day and Memorial Day parades. He was an honorary member of the Polish American Citizens Club. He was also known as an outstanding tenor soloist featured in the Greenfield Follies Program, the South Deerfield Memorial Day Program and the Greenfield Veterans Day Program.

He was invited to sing at Erving Elementary School, Deerfield Elementary School, Sunderland Elementary School, and Whately Elementary School. Family weddings and anniversary functions were blessed by his beautiful rendition of "I Love You Truly," which was sung at Charles and Eleanor's wedding.

On Sunday Sept. 13, 2009, during the 7th inning stretch on Grandparents Day at Fenway Park in Boston, he sang "God Bless America" before 38,000 fans with family and friends in attendance. He became known as the "Singing Sailor." Charles also sang with the ecumenical choirs and the St. Valentine's Church Choir in Northampton.

Charles' wife, Eleanor (Kozikowski) Sadoski, predeceased him Dec. 8, 2010.

The Rev. Stanley Shuman married Eleanor and Charles on June 17, 1945, at the Holy Name of Jesus Church in South Deerfield. At the time, Charles was serving in the U.S Navy. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary June 17, 2010. Charles' greatest pride was in his family.

Survivors include twin daughter Arlene Tierney and her husband, Douglas, of South Deerfield; twin daughter Charlene Galenski and her husband, Edward, of Shutesbury; his son, Charles, and his wife, Gayle, of Bellevue, Wash.; and his daughter Dr. Corinne Sadoski and her husband, Johan, of Lincoln.

Charles was devoted to his grandchildren: Douglas and his wife, Lori-Ann Tierney, Matthew and his wife, Haley Tierney, Justin and his wife, Meagan Galenski, Jonathan Galenski and his friend, Jennifer Yankowski, Lauren Galenski and Sebaastian and Alexis Blickman.

Three great-grandchildren blessed Charles during his life: Ashlie and Tyler Galenski, children of Justin and Meagan Galenski, and Xavier Tierney, son of Doug and Lori-Ann Tierney.

A sister, Dehlia Baceski, predeceased him in 1997, and a sister, Sophie Klinker, predeceased him in 2010. A brother, Anthony, died in 1968. A sister, Gladys Shattuck of Greenfield, survives him. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m. in Holy Name of Jesus Church, South Deerfield. Burial will be in Holy Name of Jesus Cemetery. Drozdal Funeral Home of Northampton is in charge of the arrangements. Calling hours will be at Charles' homestead at 342 River Road in South Deerfield from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Town of Deerfield Veterans Memorial Day Activities Account, 8 Conway St., South Deerfield, MA 01373, in care of Douglas Tierney.