Joseph Savarese

Savarese, Joseph

Joseph Savarese, 83, of Naples, FL and formerly of Suffern, NY passed away on December 11, 2015 surrounded by the love of his children after a long illness. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband and father, who always sought to serve his family, neighborhood, community, and country. Born in the Bronx, NY on January 11, 1932 to Virginia and Armand Savarese, Joe remained a proud New Yorker throughout his lifetime. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and bravely served his country in Korea. Joe was awarded two Purple Heart medals for injuries sustained during battle, one of which left a permanent disability which he worked hard to overcome. After the war, he attended City College of New York and started a successful career with the Allstate Insurance Company. His career with Allstate brought with it many satisfied customers and, most importantly, long-lasting friendships with clients, co-workers and business associates that he valued and cherished throughout his life. In 1955, Joe married the love of his life Sandra Savarese whom he met while visiting relatives in Italy. The couple settled in the Bronx, NY before moving to Rockland County in the early 1960's, first to Spring Valley and then to Suffern where Joe served as Mayor, Trustee, and County Legislator. Friends, family, and even his political opponents admired Joe's leadership abilities, statesmanship that reached beyond political party, and commitment to public service. Upon his retirement, the couple moved to Sag Harbor, NY in the 1990's and finally to Naples, Florida in 2001. Joe was a member of the Sag Harbor N.Y. Coast Guard Auxiliary and active in several veteran associations. No matter where he was, Joe left a lasting legacy of leadership, loyalty, and heart-felt comradery with those he served and worked with in every community Joe and his family lived in, whether it was the Village of Suffern, County of Rockland, or the Lalique Condominium Association in Naples, Florida.

Joe is survived by his children Anthony and his wife Wilda, Rosanna and her husband Donald, and Joseph and his wife Lauren; and his eight grandchildren, Donald, Samantha, Stephanie, Matthew, Alyson, Kaitlyn, Jessica and Nicole. His grandchildren especially will miss his sense of humor, storytelling, and singing together to Dean Martin classics. Joe was preceded in his death by his parents and beloved wife Sandra, whom he devotedly cared for during her courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

The family will hold a Gathering of Friends and Family on Wednesday January 13th between the hours of 6PM and 9PM at Scarr Funeral Home in Suffern, NY. On Thursday January 14th, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart Church in Suffern at 10AM with ground burial afterwards in Frederick Loescher Veteran Memorial Cemetery in New Hempstead, NY. Memorials may be made to the Marine Corps- Law Enforcement Foundation, 273 Columbus Avenue, Suite 10, Tuckahoe, NY 10707 or Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoor will Lane, Naples, Florida.