Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
RONNIE SAVION Obituary
Great shoes, infectious laugh, stunning design, warm smile. The creative force that was Ronnie Savion, co-founder of Elias/Savion, passed away Saturday, October 27, 2018. A native of Queens, New York, Ronnie brought her style, talent, oversized portfolio and New York accent to a review at Carnegie Mellon's School of Design in 1973. She thought her sculpture, oils, inks, charcoals and macramé were not professional enough for admission. They thought differently, especially when they asked what she wanted to do. "I don't know, that's what I'm here to learn." It was at CMU that Ronnie met her lifelong business partner, Philip Elias. With help from a faculty advisor, they started their business while still in school and spun it out to become one of the top privately-owned advertising and public relations firms in western Pennsylvania. Over a 42-year career, she cultivated brands, created logos and developed award-winning campaigns for regional, national and international clients. She also liked to push limits, as when she directed the first nude photo to make the front page of the paper as a scandal in the making – the result of a promotional shot for the original Heaven nightclub and their "Body Gazing" event developed by the agency. She directed Muhammad Ali, Tony Bennett, Lauren Hutton and Larry King for the iconic Legends campaign shot by Francesco Scavullo for Morton's the Steakhouse, developed the logo system and brand for the global GS1 bar code system, and created the winning campaign for the redeveloped JetBlue headquarters terminal under development by Fraport USA at JFK International. It was Ronnie's style, energy and love of life that first turned the head of John Gaughan, her husband and life partner for 33 years. And it was her gentle kindness, compassionate spirit and quiet concern for others before herself that turned his heart. She never missed an opportunity to help those in need. Together they raised their "children" – kitties Frankie and Louis – embraced a large family of friends and employees, served their communities and celebrated the Black and Gold. In addition to her husband, John, Ronnie is survived by her mother, Ruth Savion (Pittsburgh); her brother, Ilan (Julia) Savion (Oakland CA); her nephew, Yoram (Nicole) Savion; and great-nephew, Marcel (Oakland CA); she is also survived by in-laws, MaryAnn (Jerome) Bentley and their daughter, Adrienne, Bridget (Greg) Ellis, Vincent Gaughan and Tom Gaughan and his son, Joshua. She was predeceased by her father, Joseph Savion. Friends welcome Friday, 2-4, 6-9 p.m., WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220. www.slaterfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 24, 2019
John ~. We were so sorry to hear about Ronnie. Please know you are in our thoughts.
David and Darlene McGowan
Lynn Baltich
December 18, 2018
To the Savion family, I took care of Ronnie in the operating room as well as the Beckwith Center at the Hillman Cancer Center. I cannot tell you how I connected with her. We spoke about the old times when Shadyside was full of small privately owned retail and how much Pgh. has changed, in addition to our kitties. I truly loved having Ronnie as a patient, I looked forward to it. What a loss for her industry. My heartfelt condolences. We will miss her.
Diane Wuycheck
November 6, 2018
To the family and Elias Savion extended family-- Heartfelt sympathy. I had the pleasure of working with Ronnie many years ago as a Blue Cross client. What a great loss!
Darrell White
November 4, 2018
John,
Sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. She is a warm funny person. I will always have good memories of her. She always greeted me with a smile. I was always glad to see her and you. I know you will always have that distinguish mustache that she loved so much.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Diane Ruffalo
November 2, 2018
John
I just heard the sad news about Ronnie. You have my sincere condolences on her passing. I know how much she meant to you. Just know that i'm thinking of you.
Kym Antonelli
November 2, 2018
John (& family), I offer my deepest sympathy on Ronnie's passing. May she rest peacefully and may memories of her bring you comfort. Kym
marilyn walsh
November 2, 2018
Many, many memories ago, Ronnie and Philip introduced me to the world of advertising and creativity as an intern and then employee of the Graphic Suite. I have such great memories, gratitude and respect. I am surprised and saddened to hear of her passing. Pittsburgh has definitely lost an amazing talent and friend.
Valerie Esposito
November 1, 2018
John,
My sincere condolences on your loss. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ronnie's family. Valerie Esposito
October 31, 2018
John - I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and warm thoughts for you.
Steve Elek
Tracy Ball
October 31, 2018
As a new employee of Elias/Savion, I didn't know Ronnie long, and I can't help but feel cheated. I only got to work with her on a few projects, but in those brief meetings, I saw a sparkling wit and intelligence that made me think that I might have finally met the woman mentor in advertising that I had longed for my entire career. Goodbye to a woman pioneer and Godspeed.
Tracy Ball
Senior Copywriter
Elias/Savion
October 31, 2018
As a new employee of Elias/Savion, I didn't know Ronnie long, and I can't help but feel cheated. I only got to work with her on a few projects, but in those brief meetings, I saw a sparkling wit and intelligence that made me think that I might have finally met the woman mentor in advertising that I had longed for my entire career. Goodbye to a woman pioneer and Godspeed.
-Tracy Ball
Senior Copywriter
Elias/Savion
Susan Mears
October 31, 2018
John -
My heart breaks for you. Gone way too soon. May God bless you both and grant you peace.
Susan Mears
Dianne Porter
October 31, 2018
The sun will shine a little less brightly. All the time I had with you will never be enough. Be blessed. Enjoy the other side with the same energy with which you enjoyed this one.
Wendy Fisch
October 31, 2018
John I am so sorry for your loss.My heart aches for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Wendy
Rita Fate
October 31, 2018
Dear John,
Not only was Ronnie my boss, she was family. From the moment I walked through those doors of Elias/Savion almost 20 years ago, I knew this was the place I was meant to be. She will be forever missed and I will make her even more proud here at the agency. Her legacy will live on forever in my heart and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Jennie Sapsara
October 30, 2018
Devastated. I'm so sorry, John. Ronnie was full of life and now it's a little dimmer
Larry Lebowitz
October 30, 2018
I had the privilege of working with Ronnie for the past 20+ years in her role as our firm's primary marketing/advertising consultant. During that time, Ronnie played an absolutely vital role in helping to shape the brand and "personality" of our firm and, most certainly, helped me in the launch of my practice/career. On top of her substantive skills (as a consummate professional and true leader in her field), Ronnie had the "personal touch" that set her apart from the rest. She truly--and I mean truly--cared about her work and her clients. She did so not only in good times but, equally if not more important, in difficult times as well. Ronnie was ALWAYS there when we needed her and I can't thank her enough for being such a wonderful friend and business partner.
Marilyn Schmidt
October 30, 2018
It breaks my heart to say goodbye, but a it's only for now. Until we meet again.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in RONNIE SAVION's name
How to support RONNIE's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor RONNIE SAVION's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more