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John Anthony "Jack" Savoca
John Anthony "Jack" Savoca
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John Savoca Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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Eve Clancy
May 2, 2010
I lived two doors down from Jack and Debbie in Churchill for 5 or 6 years, and they were extremely warm and friendly. Really great neighbors. Jack exuded life, love and humor, even when quite ill. Debbie, Tom and I are thinking of you and wishing you well. We will remember Jack fondly.
Kathy and Gene
April 21, 2010
Debbie, Gene and I loved Jack - i remember the time you came down to the river and Jack bought lobsters at Walmart and only paid something like $3.59 for all of them together. Barbra says there were six of them - I don't remember how many but an obvious deal. Love and Kisses - when we get back from California we'll plan to go to the river.
Barbra Caris
April 21, 2010
Memories of my friend Jack:
The mid-90’s was a quiet time in my life when my new neighbors, Jack and Debbie, moved in upstairs on Kensington Avenue. I had reservations because the last person who lived up there was not a good neighbor. Being my usual shy self I did not infringe on their privacy or they on mine for some time. That was all about to change.
One day I arrived home from work and glancing at the upstairs porch saw a man working out. I have to admit that my insides felt a strange but pleasant flutter that had not occurred in awhile. Since I am sure I was staring at him I had to say hi. We talked for a minute about the weather and then I went inside. Shortly after this memorable meeting I was invited to join them for dinner. From there a beautiful friendship began and blossomed. The 3 of us were almost inseparable.
Jack was a great listener and could talk about many things. He always gave me his undivided attention and never passed judgment or offered unwanted advice. He was a man of action and if he said he would do something he followed through. He was an impeccable house cleaner.
One weekend my sister and friend Vicki came to visit. I invited Jack and Debbie to join us for dinner. Brenda was in the kitchen making her famous crab dip which by the way none of us has been able to duplicate since that night. Later Brenda asked me about my new neighbors and it was then I realized and told her Jack was like a 2nd brother to me. By the way, Debbie still tries to get Brenda to remember what she put in that crab dip.
I wasn’t the only stray that Jack and Debbie took in. Mel knew a good thing when he started hanging out and got Jack’s attention. Jack loved that cat and he was treated like a king there. He loved lying by the fireplace and climbing on and off the back porch and he loved Jack.
Some of my fondest memories are Jack and Debbie’s wedding, snow days by the fireplace, summer visits to Jean’s at Lake Caroline for crabs, vacations at Nags Head, oyster shots in the Bottom, dinners at Athens and spending holidays with each others’ families.
When Jack cooked dinner at home he would have everyone sit at the table in anticipation and disappear to the kitchen. He would then return to present his specialty of the evening with a grin on his face. My favorite was the way he staged the lobsters on the plate.
I never thought of Jack as the Godfather but knew he would do anything for me if I needed him to. One day I came home from work and found my dog, Samantha, with her paw caught in the radiator. Of course I called Jack but they were out. I then panicked and called 911. The police dispatcher called the dog catcher who was somewhere out of town with a flat tire. The fire department showed up shortly followed by my friends Kathy and Gene and then the police. It was quite a show. But no one really knew how to deal with the situation. Jack and Debbie showed up to see what was happening and Jack immediately ordered someone to bring him the olive oil. Out came the paw and one happy dog. The Sicilians won the night!
I will miss you my friend, my brother, but you will remain in my fondest memories forever. Our time together was short but worth every minute of it.
Barbra R Caris
April 16, 2010
Debbie, I don't know if you will remember me. I am Tom and Cathy Allen's daughter, Peggy. I now live in Australia and the news of Jack's death has just reached me - and shattered me. What a waste of such a great life and a great person. I have so many fond memories of both you and Jack.
My email addresss is peggy at pphayes dot com if you would like to be in touch. I know I'd welcome the contact.
Much love from me.
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|Jill Savoca Gianni
April 14, 2010
Hi, I am not sure who posted that picture of my brothers grad photo, But I am sure he told everyone that it was a missed kick. But that was from his sister Jill with a telehone. Thank you everyone he will be surely missed.
JOHN 1975. WITH A BLACK EYE FROM A MISSED MARTIAL ATRS KICK
April 13, 2010
Mary Unkel
April 13, 2010
My deepest sympathies to John's family. I grew up with John in Northport.Had lots of fun riding horses with him. I haven't been in touch since high school but thought about him often through the years. My heart is heavy today.
April 13, 2010
Debbie, Our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family during this time. Jack will Truly Truly be Missed, He was the Best Neighbor one can ask for. He is in a better place now, Free of All that pain. He is Our ANGEL that will watch over Us Daily ....
Taryn & Family
April 13, 2010
Debbie, Our heartfelt condolences are with you and your family during this time. Jack will Truly Truly be Missed, He was the Best Neighbor one can ask for. He is in a better place now, Free of All that pain. He is Our ANGEL that will watch over Us Daily
Meryl and Nick Gianni
April 12, 2010
Uncle Jack - Love you and Miss you very much.
LARRY HOLLINGSWORTH
April 12, 2010
I HAVENT SEEN JOHN SENSE HIGH SCHOOL. BUT HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND. HE, MYSELF, TONY F. , SCOTT L. ,LARRY D. AND OTHERS HAD A LITTLE CORNER NEAR THE WELL WHERE WE USE TO ALL HANG OUT. GOT INTO A LITTLE TROUBLE BUT DONT ALL BOYS AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER. WE ALL GREW UP AND BECAME GOOD PEOPLE. I REMEMBER WHEN JOHN FIRST BECAME INTERESTED IN THE MARTIAL ARTS. AS A MATTER OF FACT HIS HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOK FOTO HAS HIM WITH A BLACK EYE. A MISSED KICK I BELIEVE.. I WILL MISS HIM. BE WELL IN HEAVEN MY OLD FRIEND
April 11, 2010
John, have a safe journey. You have left me with nothing but good memories and I am very grateful to have known you. Phil Thomas (VT)
Brian Crenshaw
April 11, 2010
Jack Savoca, my loyal student and dear friend. Jack came to Prodigy Martial School when it first opened and gave his heart and soul to his training and his fellow students. He became the first student I promoted to instructor level. I could not have asked for a better student. But Jack, became much more than a student, he has my friend and confidant and will be truly missed. My heart goes out to his family in their time of loss.
Regards,
Brian Crenshaw
John Snyder
April 11, 2010
My condolences to an old friend and fellow martial artist. May he be at peace.
Mike Levin
April 11, 2010
Jack was The Best Friend I ever had, that I had never met. We had communicated regularly on the phone for over 20 years, buying and selling coins. He was a superb gentleman, and our conversations will be sorely missed.
Tina Cali
April 11, 2010
He looked out for us (Jill & I), cooked for us and made us laugh
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