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RICHARD SAVAGE Obituary

SAVAGE, Richard L. "Dick" Tufts University Engineering Professor – 92 Richard "Dick" Savage died peacefully on May 23, 2020 with family and loved ones around him in the comfort of his longtime home at Robbins Brook Assisted Living Facility in Acton, MA. Born November 3, 1927 in South Portland, Maine to Leo and Emma (Boulier) Savage, Dick graduated from South Portland High School in 1945. As with so many of his generation, he enlisted to serve his country during WWII. An expanding Army engineering program recruited Dick, sending him initially to engineering classes at Norwich University in Vermont. He was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. After his time in the Army, Dick went on to receive a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine at Orono, an M.S. from Northeastern University, and a National Science Foundation grant for further study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 1950, Dick married Marion Larochelle, also from South Portland, and they moved to Boston, MA. Marion was his sweetheart always and they spent 53 wonderful years together until her death in 2003. Dick was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Dick was a devout Roman Catholic and his strong faith supported him throughout life. Dick's lifelong professional passion was civil engineering. As a Professor of Civil Engineering at Tufts University for 40 years, he mentored hundreds of budding engineers, treating them with unending respect and encouraging their progress. Along with teaching, Dick was very engaged in the American Society of Civil Engineering, was a licensed Professional Engineer in 7 states, and had an active private engineering consulting practice. Dick loved life and embraced it with a positive outlook, a fun spirit, and a loving heart. His love of music permeated his life. Dick also loved spending time in Maine where he enjoyed sailing, canoeing, and being with friends and family. He was always up for a game of tennis and his southpaw serve would come with a spin few could return. In his later years, Dick had a very active happy life at Robbins Brook and the strength of this community shone through with the overwhelming outpouring of love, care, and support he received in his last weeks. Dick was preceded in death by his wife Marion, parents Leo and Emma Savage, and siblings Phyllis Toomey, Edward Savage, Marion Savage, and Jane Savage Palanza Coppola. He is survived by daughters Barbara Hanafin and Nancy Lunger, son Rick Savage, sons-in-law Tom Hanafin and Dave Lunger, daughter-in-law Lianna Savage, grandchildren Amy Myatt and her husband Jay, Sarah Hanafin, Julian Lunger, Courtney Lunger, great-grandchild Joshua Myatt, and many nieces and nephews. Dick will be buried next to his beloved wife, Marion, at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland, Maine on June 1, 2020. With attendance currently limited, services will be filmed and available for viewing shortly after the services take place. Arrangements are by Hobbs Funeral Home, SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Visiting Hours: Monday, June 1, 2020 9:00 A.M.

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Published by Boston Globe from May 27 to May 28, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD SAVAGE

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Robert Megerdichian

June 1, 2020

For the family of Professor Savage, Please accept my condolences for the Professors passing. I was fortunate to have Professor Savage for a couple of engineering classes at Tufts in the early 1970s. One class stands out in my memory. Allow me to relate a story about it. The class was a credit, one week trip to the Tennessee Valley Authority to view dams, mines and power plants. I and one other student were seniors, and the rest of the participants were lower classmen, all males. My travel mates viewed the trip as an easy grade, with little work required. Accompanying us were Mrs. Savage, and a professor emeritus (whose name I have forgotten) and his wife. As I recall, the wives went shopping during the days while the professors and students toured the facilities. I was particularly taken by the clarity and excitement with which both professors explained to us students what we were viewing. In the evenings the 4 adults hung around the hotel lobby before having dinner. Not to lose an opportunity to learn more about the venues, I joined the foursome at least once just to talk. When the trip was over we students carpooled home through a snow storm, which wasnt as bad as listening to the students boast about how easy an A that course was. I spent time during the ride putting together notes for a journal about my experience, in which I correlated our trip with that of Odysseus of ancient Greece. I remember writing the final draft in long hand. So as not to give me the same grade as the others, the professors gave me the A and Bs to the others. They werent happy but I was delighted, getting one of the few As I got in engineering school. I continued my relationship with both professors for a while. Upon hearing of Professor Savages passing I looked in my file cabinet for the original journal to forward to you, but unfortunately it is lost to time. So now, some 45 years since that memorable and informative trip I thank both professors again, sadly while extending my sympathies to your family. May he rest in peace. Robert Megerdichian Tufts 1974 [email protected], [email protected]

Michael Majors

May 29, 2020

I am sorry I never got to meet Richard in person. He raised a wonderful family.

Margot Sechler

May 28, 2020

Dearest Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. May your father's memory be for a blessing. Sending much love and prayers.
Keeping you and your family in my heart,
Margot

Carol Odom

May 27, 2020

Uncle Dick was my birthday buddy. I have so many memories growing up of his kindness to all and fun, cheerful personality at all family functions.

Jane LaBerge

May 27, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We loved our visits with you, Uncle Dick, and Aunt Marion. You were always the gracious host and hostess. We will always cherish the fond memories of dancing for your movie camera! Love always and forever, Janie and Ray

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Memorial Events
for RICHARD SAVAGE

Jun

1

Visitation

9:00 a.m.

Hobbs Funeral Home - South Portland

230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106

Jun

1

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Church

South Portland, ME

Funeral services provided by:

Hobbs Funeral Home - South Portland

230 Cottage Road, South Portland, ME 04106

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