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Jeffrey Savitsky Obituary
Zionsville - Jeffrey Charles Savitsky
73, of Zionsville, passed away September 22, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carole Savitsky; children, Kenneth (Kristen Beanblossom) Savitsky, Douglas (Erika Skoe) Savitsky; grandchildren, Greta and Foster Savitsky; brother, Stewart (Renata) Savitsky; and sister Selma Savitsky.
Jeffrey was born on June 8, 1945, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Israel and Rose Savitsky. He and his wife Carole, high school sweethearts in Bay Shore, NY, recently gathered with family and friends to celebrate fifty years of marriage. Jeffrey enjoyed traveling, spending time on the beach, playing tennis, scuba diving, reading historical novels, watching movies, telling bad jokes, and spending time with his family. He was known for being exceptionally selfless and generous. He loved his grandchildren, who knew him as "Big Bub." His family also knew him as "el estante."
Jeffrey attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received his Ph.D. in psychology from Vanderbilt University and his J.D. from Indiana University, and was a Professor of Psychology at Purdue University, where he conducted research and taught classes related to clinical psychology and the law. Later, he founded the Institute for Public Safety Personnel, Inc., in Indianapolis, where he worked with police and fire departments around the country to develop and implement hiring and promotion processes. Jeffrey was active in his support of political candidates and causes related to civil rights and social justice. He served as president of the Lafayette chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
A Memorial service will be held Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at 6:30 P.M., with visitation from 5:30 P.M. until the time of service, at the A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services, 11411 N. Michigan Rd., Zionsville, IN 46077. A separate service will be held for friends and family on Long Island, NY.
Jeffrey died of ALS, and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ALS Association, http://www.alsa.org, or to Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/.
Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Savitsky
Sponsored by Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary (A.R.N. Cremation) - Zionsville Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary.
JP Newman
November 26, 2023
Jeff mentored me at Purdue in the mid-70s and set me on my career path. I remain very grateful to him. He was a truly great man
Stephen and Gerri Savitt
October 31, 2018
So sorry to hear about Jeffrey. It is a shame we live so far away and that our families never had the opportunity to get to know each other better. Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
October 12, 2018
My deepest condolences to Jeffrey's family and friends for your loss. May God bring you comfort in your time of grief. (2 Thessalonians 2: 16)
Ryan Parker
October 4, 2018
Carol, Doug and Ken, my condolences. I'm so sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. What an amazing life he lived! We should all hope to do as well.
Brent Turner
October 4, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to the Savitsky family. I have fond memories of the entire Savitsky family growing up in West Lafayette.
Teran Armstrong
October 3, 2018
So sorry we have lost such a great thinker, humanitarian, and jokester. He will be missed.
Frank Darmiento
October 2, 2018
Jeff is someone who will be missed. Goodbye my friend.
Joanne & Joe O'Leary
September 30, 2018
Carol, Doug and Ken, we were so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. Fond memories of our fellow Long Island friends...
Judy and Steven Sherman
September 26, 2018
A dear friend who brightened our lives! We will always remember our Annual Memorial Day trips to Louisville for casinos and watching the Indy 500...great times!
Suzie Collins
September 25, 2018
Carole, Ken and Doug,
We were so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. It must have been a terribly hard journey with ALS. While it has been many years since we all lived in Sherilee Dales, I still remember those days with fondness. May God comfort you in your loss.
Mark and Monica Plantan
September 25, 2018
We will always remember Jeff's wit, wisdom, and warmth. At a dinner together one evening, we all shared a dish of sauteed shishito peppers. Knowing that Jeff loved a good bit of trivia to up his Jeopardy skills, we mentioned that supposedly 1 of every 10 shishito peppers will be hot. The test was on, but we finished the batch without anyone hitting a single scorcher. Last night, in Jeff's memory, we ate shishito peppers, and that batch really evened out the percentage! We could just imagine Jeff chuckling about it. Carole, we send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Wishing you peace in the knowledge that your Jeff was loved by so many.
Mary Campbell
September 25, 2018
Dear Carole, Douglas, and Kenneth -- I am so grieved to hear of Jeff's death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I remember many happy evenings with you and your family in West Lafayette. And, Carole, I will always remember your generosity in watching my eldest while I struggled with writing my dissertation!
Amy Emerson
September 25, 2018
Jeff was not only a boss, but a great friend and mentor. He has made a huge impact on my life, and words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation. I will remember him for his intellect, hard work, integrity, and great story telling. Whenever he started a sentence with "Did I ever tell you about . . . " it was followed by either humor or a life lesson. I express my sincere sympathy to Carole, Ken, Doug and families. I will miss him.
Tom and Barbara Litkowski
September 25, 2018
Carole,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Jeff's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family during your time of mourning.
Mary Fish Mansell
September 25, 2018
Jeff was a life changing therapist and a lifetime friend. I will miss him and his humor.
ELAINE Delbecq
September 25, 2018
Remembering fondly all the public safety and wellness work that Jeff was a part of initiating. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your loss.
He was great to work with along with a colorful cast of characters!
Elaine Delbecq
L V
September 25, 2018
May the God of loving comfort and eternal hope be with the family at this very sad time.
Nancy HHill
September 25, 2018
Carole,
I was so sorry to hear of your husband's death from ALS. Thoughts and prayers are with you. I think of you often.
Danielle Sheff
September 24, 2018
Our family spent many Passover holidays with Carole and Jeff. Wonderful memories. Jeff's brilliance and logic were never tinged with condescension. No "Mr. Judgypants" for Jeff. Jeff taught me to be a better listener. In that way, I could anticipate the next "bad joke." Once Jeff was telling us about recent movies and asked if we had seen Batman v Superman. I waited for the bad joke. It didn't happen. He laughed and told us it was actually a decent movie. Realizing we were all still waiting for the joke, he drew an analogy between the theme of the movie and recent political events. He was chuckling the whole time so perhaps a joke had been suppressed to make the larger point: don't take yourself too seriously. Although our hearts are heavy, our lives are all the richer for having known Jeff. Our thoughts are with Carole and Family.
Sally Noel
September 24, 2018
Carole, you were a devoted wife and have truly had a marriage of admiration and dedication to each other. I know you have had a few rough years, but 51 years of marriage represents a lot of great times and memories. I wish you peace, that he no longer suffers and hope that you have had wonderful times and will have them again with your family and friends. I'll keep you, your sons, and the grands in my prayers during this difficult time. Bless you my friend.
Adrian Garcia-Sierra
September 24, 2018
Doug, Erika, and Family;
I am really sorry to hear the sad news. Please receive our deepest sympathies. Take care
Adrian & Nairan
Bettina Zaneteas
September 24, 2018
So very sorry for your loss. Jeff was a wonderful man, interested in the direction of this country. May your memories console you and help you find peace in the coming days.
Kathy Beanblossom
September 24, 2018
Our deepest sympathies to you all! Jeff was an incredible and courageous man who throughout his life contributed greatly to the betterment of mankind. What a blessing he was to all the lives he touched. May all of you carry his light and love with you for the rest of your days. Rest in peace, Jeff! All all our love, Kathy, Phil & Cole
Marianne Solomon
September 24, 2018
Jeff did his part in making the world a better place. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and family. May the many wonderful memories stay with you forever and comfort you.
Joanne Seip
September 24, 2018
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Hugz to you all
Delores Bender
September 24, 2018
I am so vert sorry for your loss. The many memories of the good times will remind Carole, family, and friends of Jeffrey's love for all of you. Those memories will make you both happy and sad as you continue to miss him in your lives each and every day. Take comfort that he is now at peace.
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Memorial service
6:30 p.m.
Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary (A.R.N. Cremation) - Zionsville11411 N Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077
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Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary (A.R.N. Cremation) - Zionsville11411 N Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077
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