Stefano “Steve” Savia, 82, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his wife of 44 years, Donna (Mannion) Savia.
Steve was born in Manhattan, New York on January 31, 1937, son of the late Paolo and Benedetta (Bologna) Savia. He was a manufacturing engineer and had worked for Carpin Manufacturing, Better Form Metals, and Huck Manufacturing before his retirement.
Steve was inducted into the United States Army in 1962 and was honorably discharged in 1968. In his later years, he spoke proudly of his service years, sharing countless memories with his family.
Steve lived life in a grand way. His loud, boisterous laugh was his hallmark. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and will always be remembered for “Papa’s” Sunday donut visits, wearing his signature olive green bucket hat that he often left behind, calling days later looking for it. He often took his grandkids fishing, where he would proudly pass on his vast wealth of knowledge. His grandchildren were, as he put it, “the light of my life.”
Steve had many joys in life, all involving time spent with his loved ones. He loved camping and boating with his children when they were young. He also enjoyed spending time at the rifle range with his son, Billy. He spent many days bowling with his daughter, “my Stephie”, and found great joy in watching her softball games.
Steve was often referred to as “Handy Manny.” He loved fixing things and was always eager and willing to lend a helping hand when something needed to be fixed. He spent many weekends with his son-in-law, Ben, teaching him how to repair things around the house. It wasn’t a surprise when he shared all of the books he owned on how to do successful home repairs. He took great pride in what he knew and how he could use that to help others.
His passion for golf brought him much happiness throughout his life, first as a caddy when he was a teen, and especially after retirement, when he would play with his “golf buddies” at Hop Brook Golf Course several days each week. Prior to his brother, Sam’s, passing, Steve would drive down to Hollywood, FL, each winter for two to three months so the two could spend quality time golfing together, often accompanied by his son, Paul.
In addition to his wife, Donna, Steve is survived by his sons, Salvatore Savia of Palm Beach, CA, Paul Savia and his wife, Sheila, of Georgetown, MA, Joseph Savia of Lynn, MA, Stephen Savia, Jr. and his wife, Denise, of Acton, ME, and William Savia of Naugatuck, CT; his daughters, Bernadette Schwartz and her husband, Benjamin, of Wolcott, CT, Brigit Gendron and her husband, Kevin, of Naugatuck, CT, and Stephanie Pelkey and her husband, Christopher, of Wallingford, CT; his grandchildren, Ashlee DeConinck, Sandy Savia, Amy Grace and Lauren Savia, Cameron Giusto, Caden and Colby Schwartz, Nathan and Kayla Gendron, and Genevieve Pelkey; and his great-grandchildren, Juliana, Layla, and Rocco DeConinck. He also leaves behind his brother, Joseph Savia, and his wife, Angela; his sister, Anna Misericordia; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Salvatore and Frank Savia; and his sister, Gussy Nelli.
Steve’s family would like to thank the amazing, dedicated team of caregivers of Hartford Healthcare At Home’s hospice unit; especially his nurse, Melissa, whom he adored.
There are no calling hours. A private burial, with full military honors, will be held at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital; two organizations that Steve was proud to support for many years.
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