Andrew T. "Andy" Savage

Andrew T. "Andy" Savage, a Melrose resident, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at age 38. Andrew was born in Winchester on May 17, 1980, one of two sons of Thomas Savage and the late Kathlene "Kathy" (McLaughlin) Savage. Raised in Georgetown, he graduated from Georgetown High School, and from the University of New Hampshire, Class of 2004. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon where he made great friendships during college that continue to this day. In 2009, he met the love of his life, Beth Wickenhiser, and they were engaged in March of 2011 on the island of St. John, USVI. They eloped to Martha's Vineyard and were married on the back patio of the Beach Plum Inn in Menemsha in June 2011. Andy and Beth lived in Somerville before finding a home in Melrose in 2012. They renovated together, and built a foundation of love and laughter for their two children, Hannah (5) and Jack (3). Andy adored his children, and was a constant source of love and adventure. Andy's perspective on life was shaped in part by the loss of his mother at age 15. He always focused on living in the moment, enjoying life, and taking advantage of every opportunity to make memories. For his regular search for the next family adventure, or habit of bringing a smile to their faces, he was lovingly referred to as the "Captain of Fun." Andy had a variety of interests that amused him and were typically "Andy." As an electronic music lover, Andy pursued his dream of being a DJ and played at several venues in the Boston area while living in Somerville. With a fascination for cars, bikes, and anything with wheels, he spent hours building a bicycle on the rooftop deck of his Somerville apartment. He convinced Beth it was a great idea to have a 1975 Yamaha dirt bike and a 1991 Mazda Miata occupying the garage. He built model cars and trucks with his father and brother, and fixed up a minibike to drive around the yard. Full of love and a sense of adventure, Andy was an expert at making memories with Hannah and Jack. Andy loved camping and wanted his children to enjoy the wonders of camping as well. Even while undergoing treatment for cancer, Andy would set up a campsite with Hannah and Jack in the yard, cook s'mores and sleep under a tent. Andy also made a habit of picking up Hannah early from school and driving her to get an ice cream—just because. Andy always wanted to take advantage of the time he was given, never wasting an opportunity to have fun and create a memory. Andy enjoyed weekend trips to explore New England towns with Beth, in particular the wide open spaces of Vermont and New Hampshire. He loved returning to the warmth of St. John, spending time on the beach with Hannah and Jack, and deepening the family's connection to the island. Andy was one of a kind. He was an easy-going guy, but uniquely passionate about things he enjoyed. He had a sense of wonder and adventure that he loved to see through the eyes of his children. His respect and integrity to family was paramount, and throughout life remained unflappable in the face of all life's challenges. Andy made a profound impact in life, on his family, and his friends. He will be deeply, and sorely missed, but the memories he made will remain in their hearts and minds, and he will continue to serve as a life compass forever. Andy's family wishes to extend their thanks to all who have offered their support, helping hands, and words of love. They will be forever grateful. Andy was the beloved husband of Beth A. (Wickenhiser) Savage with whom he shared 7 years of marriage. Devoted father of Hannah and Jack. Adored son of Thomas E. Savage and his wife Sandra of W. Newbury, and the late Kathlene Savage. Dear brother of Ryan Savage of Newton, and stepbrother of Christopher Oak and his wife Alicia of Chelmsford, and Andrew Oak of Brighton. Cherished nephew of Christine Savage and her husband Brian Curley of Boston, Elizabeth "Betsy" Parker and her husband Peter of Brewster, Charlene McDonough of Merrimac, NH, Edward McLaughlin and his wife Debbi of Mashpee, and Kevin McLaughlin and his wife Kathleen of Stoneham. Also survived by a niece and many loving cousins. Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Andy's life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, March 17 from 2-6pm, and again on Monday at 9am before leaving in procession to St. Mary's Church, Herbert St., Melrose for his Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Andrew's name payable to Dr. Yurgelun's Research Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Attn: Angelle Kettlewell, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Fl., Brookline, MA 02445, memo line: Dr. Yurgelun's Research Fund.