Mr. Leonard Franklin Savage Sr.

Mr. Leonard F. Savage Sr., 75, passed away, Friday, September 24, in Philadelphia, PA surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Cheryl (McKinney) Savage. Leonard Franklin Savage was born in Baltimore, Maryland on December 18,1945, son to the late Erma (Lyles) (Savage) Kerr and Elwood Savage. He was the third of seven children and the second oldest boy. Frankie, who was often called "Francis" by his mother and later by his daughters, spoke fondly of his early life in Baltimore, particularly of time spent with his uncle, Sonny. Together they found creative ways to make money for candy or sandwiches at the corner store, or they played ball. Ultimately, they shared a strong friendship. During his teenage years, Frankie, his mother, 5 of his 6 siblings, and stepfather Dawson (Pop) Kerr, relocated to Waterbury, Connecticut. A 1964 graduate of Crosby High School, he was an excellent student with a love for math and history. Although attending college was an option, he chose to begin a 40-year career as a machinist. Pop helped secure Frankie's first position at Scovill Manufacturing Company, where he worked for 18 years as a furnace operator. After that plant shuttered, he spent a few years working for the Connecticut Department of Transportation before joining New Haven Copper for 22 years. There he was also a machinist and served several terms as president of Local UAW 1604. It was a role for which he was well- suited, as he could easily flow between negotiations with company o?cials and conversations with co-workers while alienating neither. Frankie had a gift of strongly connecting with people: throughout his life, he was charismatic, fun-loving and magnetic. On March 13, 1964, Frankie married Cheryl (McKinney) Savage and started a family. As a husband and father, Frankie shared many of the interests and activities that brought him joy. An avid reader, each of his children learned a love of books and current events. He taught himself the game of chess and exposed it to his three older children. Music was another passion. He played LPs constantly, so there are songs and albums his children know by heart. Frankie considered himself dapper. His signature pieces included tailored suits, Kangol hats (neutrals, please), black jeans, and leather jackets. Despite being cold, he wore his leather jacket throughout Connecticut winters. Western movies and shows, Star Trek (all versions), historical documentaries, and Jeopardy were other obsessions. Fond family memories include "Ponderosa" Fridays (Friday was payday), where he would always get a free steak because his first was never cooked well-done; Saturday drives to Jimmies of Savin Rock for seafood; and going to Christmas tree farms each year to select and cut a tree. Throughout his life, Frankie formed strong bonds, starting with his brothers and sisters. Some of his happiest moments were with them. No special occasion or reason was required, just spending time together was enough. He had many close friendships, but particularly one with Willie Jordan, which spanned 54 years and several states. However, his wife, children, and grandchildren were the biggest pulls on his heartstrings, even when it wasn't apparent. Frankie's memory and passions will live on in those who survive him, including his wife, Cheryl; daughters, Latanya, Lorraine and Shamaine; son, Lance; as well as his grandchildren, great- grandchildren, sisters, brothers, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He is predeceased by his sons, Kevin and Leonard Jr; great-grandson, parents, and sister.