John Gary Savage

1940 - 2015

WEST DEERFIELD - John Gary Savage passed away peacefully Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at home surrounded by his family.

He was born Nov. 26, 1940, in Greenfield, to parents John George Savage and Mary Margaret (Sabolinski) Savage. He was educated at Old Deerfield Grammar School and was a graduate of Deerfield Academy in 1959 where he excelled in football. He continued his education at the University of New Hampshire, graduating in 1963 with a degree in agricultural economics and as a brother of the Theta Chi fraternity.

John married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Wood) Savage, and recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. Together they had four children, Kara, Michelle, Jay, and Jessica.

John was dedicated to his life on the farm. He was third generation owner of Savage Farms, Inc., in Deerfield, which celebrated its 100 year anniversary in 2010. John is credited with adding the crop of sod to the family farm, thus developing the first sod farm in the state of Massachusetts.

Over the years he has been active in his professional organizations as a member of the National Potato Council and the New England Sod Producers Association, as well as serving as the Massachusetts Representative for the National Potato Board and traveled nation wide to attend annual meetings.

John and Karen have traveled the world and enjoyed visiting destinations like Africa, Australia, Europe, Vietnam, Thailand, and most recently China, in 2014.

John Savage was a proud supporter of the University of Massachusetts basketball and hockey as a season ticket holder for many years. He enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement of the games. He was also a fan of the New England Patriots!

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Karen; his children and their families, Kara (Savage) Nottage and husband Sean, Haley and Kelsey Nottage; Michelle (Savage) Brynda and husband Rich, Beatrice and Gehrig Brynda; Jay Savage and wife Lisa Giampaolo-Savage, Sophie, Granger and Porter Savage; and Jessica (Savage) Dark and husband Gabriel with baby boy on the way. He loved his family very much and showed it in his own special ways. He is also survived by sister Mary Susan Savage Neuman and brother Robert Savage, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

John Savage was well respected by his friends and peers. He had a reputation for being a hard worker and a very friendly person. He was known for having a very firm handshake that became tighter the more he liked you. He enjoyed visiting Savage's Market for coffee and the daily news, dinners at the Whately Inn and a good Manhattan (just a touch of vermouth).

The family would like to thank the people from Hospice of Franklin County for their caring help during these last couple weeks.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 29, at 9:15 a.m. from the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal St., followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Monsignor Ronald Yargeau officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield. Calling hours will be held Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St., Greenfield, MA 01301.

Sympathy message available at www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.

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