John Savage

SAVAGE, John T. "Johnnie Irish" - of Flint Township, age 81, died Friday, October 30, 2009 at McLaren Regional Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1227 E. Bristol Road, Burton, Father Tim MacDonald officiating. Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to American Kidney Foundation or the American Diabetes Association. Visitation 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint. A Rosary will be prayed 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Savage will be at the church 12 p.m. Tuesday until the time of the Mass. John was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on May 10, 1928, the son of the late James and Elizabeth Savage. John married Margaret Myles on August 9, 1949 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and they arrived with their family in New York City on Thanksgiving Day, 1952. John was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and currently Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he served as an usher for many years. John was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus. He played soccer for the International Institute and was an All Ireland Soccer player. John was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading, snooker and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He retired from General Motors Fisher I in 1988 after 35 years of service, was a very staunch Union man and was a member of UAW Local 581. He was a recipient of two Walter P. Reuther awards. Surviving are wife Margaret; 6 children, James of Chapel Hill, TN, Rosaline Savage of Flint, Joseph and wife Kelly of Racine, WI, Pauline Buffey of Flint, Sean and wife Leigh of Swartz Creek, and Margaret Savage of Flint; 11 grandchildren, Anthony, Maureen, Theresa, John, Larry, Steven, Sarah, Timothy, Aubree, Ryan and Collin; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law, Diane Savage of Belfast, Northern Ireland and Mary Savage of Flushing; several beloved nieces, nephews and many special friends. He was preceded in death by 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Special thank you to Hurley CCU, RRC Dialysis Center, McLaren CCU and Dr. K. Vemuri for all their care and support. Your condolences may be shared with the family at

swartzfuneralhomeinc.com