Obituary for Anthony J. 'Tony' Savino
A force of authenticity left this world with the passing of Anthony Joseph Savino, “Tony”, 91, of Painted Post, NY, when he peacefully entered his final slumber with family by his side on March 26, 2023. He eagerly joins the love of his life, forever bride of 60 years, Suanne O’Hara Savino in the Lords everlasting light. Together they built and enjoyed a beautiful and adventurous life with their four children. Surviving are his sons, Michael (and Michelle) and three granddaughters, Kathryn, Lauren and Piper of Darien, CT; Thomas of Corning; and daughters, Kathleen (and Kevin) Foley of Colts Neck, NJ, and Mary Jo of Boston; his brother Carl (and Olga) of Cortland, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews and grand-grands; and cousins in the Rochester area. He is predeceased by his wife Suanne O’Hara Savino (Aug 2020) and his brothers Frank (Niagara Falls, NY), Donald Savino (Geneseo, NY) and Joseph (Cuba, NY). Anthony was a devout Roman Catholic and a communicant of All Saints Parish.
Anthony’s spirit was infectiously authentic; an articulate fully lived-man, never shying away from orating, advocating and protecting what he believed was right- not only for himself but for society and those who lacked the strength or conviction to do for themselves. A true Patriot and Christian he never quieted his beliefs when they were encroached upon for himself or strangers. The difficult path never deterred the courage and bravery of Anthony, whether a proponent for his Country, his family or the Rights of Man. Having an unpopular opinion never gave any pause to Tony in his writings, demonstrations and orations. His life leaves marks of change and course corrections that others have and will continue to benefit from. His conviction to his country, his God and his family were unfailing. He was The Man in the Arena. He did it his way.
Born in difficult times, March 21, 1932, in Dansville, New York to hard working Italian immigrant parents Joseph and Josephine (Rongo) Savino, who emigrated via Ellis Island as teenagers, making their way with limited English and creating a beautiful Italian family of 5 sons, with Tony the youngest. The boys benefited from all the genuine trappings of an early 1900s life in Groveland of simple means, country play, exploration, patriotic perspectives, shenanigans and nuclear family discipline in a changing America post Great Depression. His father was employed by Lackawanna Railroad, Groveland Station, NY and his mother with her skills from the old country, impressively farmed their 2 acres, subsidizing their existence by selling chickens, vegetables, eggs, fruit pies; and excess grapes from the family vines – not used for making their own wine.
Anthony leaves this earth with strong hands, lifelong vigor and a kind caring heart for the earth and it’s creatures. From working the fields of the Groveland Flats with his mother and brothers for $.10 a day, assisting with laundry for train crew hosteling locally, and laboring with his brothers repairing Lackawanna Railroad ties of Wayland Hills incline to later in life satiating his love for cement work and construction he fully utilized the strength and talent given to him by God all the days of his life. His love and respective for animals ran deep in his soul from childhood caring for family barn of chickens, rabbits and occasional lamb; and always a beagle named Jack. His connection with the love of gardening, fruit trees and grapevines was cultivated by his mother and father.
Anthony attended Groveland school until its closure in 1947 then finished at Mount Morris Highschool, bringing his tenacious spirit to the fields in not only soccer, but also as a lineman of a “not only an undefeated but unscored upon football team”. His passion for learning, writing, questioning and hard work brought him to State University of Geneseo College where he completed his Bachelor Degree in Education – while certainly not neglecting his social and fraternal activities of the Delta Kappa Epsilon (“DKE”) house there. Summers on Conesus Lake he was the “Fry King” of the Fry stand while his fraternity brothers worked the beer tent - for perfect bartering. Winter months he was a manual pin setter at the bowling alley nearby. After his Military service, he earned a Master’s in Education through Syracuse University; and pursued subsequent post graduate studies on the Doctoral track in Education and Psychology; culminating over 208 credits across 11 Universities.
Anthony joined the United States Army 5th Cavalry Division. He served honorably during the Korean War in a critical Administration role in Japan Headquarters for Generals, supporting creation and delivery of critical, often Top Secret documents. Arriving by ship in December with a 1,000 other troops they journeyed on the rough seas for days – crossing the International Dateline and skipping Christmas Day 1954 entirely. He enjoyed every opportunity for Leave to enjoy the culture and excitement of this new world of Asia. He was honorably discharged with various awarded medals.
Upon returning home to New York state his successful teaching and administration career spanned decades and across diverse school systems of rural upstate and affluent downstate (Wyoming Central, Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Otsego County, Dutchess County, Jeffersonville-Youngsville, Bradford); earning accolades as a Teacher, Principal and Superintendent.
It was a friendship made during his Geneseo days that led him to the introduction of the woman he would fall in love with, Suanne O’Hara of Utica, New York. After a courtship complete with convertible rides, ice cream sodas and Adirondack outings, they were married August 20, 1960 by Suanne’s cousin, Reverend William Donavan at St. John Cathedral, Utica. They enjoyed their slightly-shy-of 60 years of marriage, mostly, in Upstate and Western NY. Anthony’s profession in school systems introduced them and their children to the diverse areas of New York State. Together, as their children grew, Tony assured that family adventure was a key element - owning pools, boats and extra-long toboggans. Downhill skiing, pond skating and snowmobiling the Catskills, and lake swimming, boating and waterskiing – often as 3 people at a time sharpened both skills and resilience. Tony also delighted in hunting with his sons. Anthony was proud of his children, their pursuits and accomplishments: Thomas retired from the Military and applying his 82nd Airborne skills as a Smoke Jumper out West; Michael became a seasoned investor and raising 3 impressive young ladies; Kathleen became an environmental scientist and Mary Jo became a business-savvy entrepreneur. An avid fan of sports, sparring and the spirit of “the best man wins”, Tony himself remained active and was a formidable basketball, soccer and baseball referee for high school and college.
Following his success as Superintendent capstone accomplishment securing the building of a new Bradford school, he retired from education transitioned those skills to the next chapter of life; a business owner. Tony and Suanne were the proprietors of The Bourbon Shoppe Painted Post; soon thereafter adding The Erwin Motel. As a couple they enjoyed this new lifestyle for 20 years until their retirement. They enjoyed travel to Italy, Ireland, US Virgin Islands, and Northern California to Cape Cod and Florida to Maine. In their later years, you could find them enjoying Keuka Lake from the Hammondsport Park benches. He and his wife were members of the Argon Dance Club, his Dean Martin voice often on a karaoke mic; and with his sharp mind an ideal Bridge partner, day-trader or pro se litigator. He relished in engaging with others, sharing stories of joy, lessons learned, quandary or Biblical. A conversation, of agreement or debate were equally enjoyable. With a big hat, a big cross and little bus Tony was hard to miss.
Tony found true contentment in his final years on Hillcrest Drive in a home partially build by his own hands, and as an ornithologist and nature lover he delighted in the treasure trove of bird species and visiting deer, bunnies and occasional black bear napping on his porch. Tony was full of life and energy until his last month, buzzing about town in his blue truck giving advice from plumbing to life strategies.
Visiting hours will be held at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning on Friday March 31st from 5-7:30PM and Saturday April 1st from 9:00 – 10:15AM. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday April 1st at 11AM at St. Mary’s Church of Corning; burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery and reception to follow nearby.
Anthony’s spirit was infectiously authentic; an articulate fully lived-man, never shying away from orating, advocating and protecting what he believed was right- not only for himself but for society and those who lacked the strength or conviction to do for themselves. A true Patriot and Christian he never quieted his beliefs when they were encroached upon for himself or strangers. The difficult path never deterred the courage and bravery of Anthony, whether a proponent for his Country, his family or the Rights of Man. Having an unpopular opinion never gave any pause to Tony in his writings, demonstrations and orations. His life leaves marks of change and course corrections that others have and will continue to benefit from. His conviction to his country, his God and his family were unfailing. He was The Man in the Arena. He did it his way.
Born in difficult times, March 21, 1932, in Dansville, New York to hard working Italian immigrant parents Joseph and Josephine (Rongo) Savino, who emigrated via Ellis Island as teenagers, making their way with limited English and creating a beautiful Italian family of 5 sons, with Tony the youngest. The boys benefited from all the genuine trappings of an early 1900s life in Groveland of simple means, country play, exploration, patriotic perspectives, shenanigans and nuclear family discipline in a changing America post Great Depression. His father was employed by Lackawanna Railroad, Groveland Station, NY and his mother with her skills from the old country, impressively farmed their 2 acres, subsidizing their existence by selling chickens, vegetables, eggs, fruit pies; and excess grapes from the family vines – not used for making their own wine.
Anthony leaves this earth with strong hands, lifelong vigor and a kind caring heart for the earth and it’s creatures. From working the fields of the Groveland Flats with his mother and brothers for $.10 a day, assisting with laundry for train crew hosteling locally, and laboring with his brothers repairing Lackawanna Railroad ties of Wayland Hills incline to later in life satiating his love for cement work and construction he fully utilized the strength and talent given to him by God all the days of his life. His love and respective for animals ran deep in his soul from childhood caring for family barn of chickens, rabbits and occasional lamb; and always a beagle named Jack. His connection with the love of gardening, fruit trees and grapevines was cultivated by his mother and father.
Anthony attended Groveland school until its closure in 1947 then finished at Mount Morris Highschool, bringing his tenacious spirit to the fields in not only soccer, but also as a lineman of a “not only an undefeated but unscored upon football team”. His passion for learning, writing, questioning and hard work brought him to State University of Geneseo College where he completed his Bachelor Degree in Education – while certainly not neglecting his social and fraternal activities of the Delta Kappa Epsilon (“DKE”) house there. Summers on Conesus Lake he was the “Fry King” of the Fry stand while his fraternity brothers worked the beer tent - for perfect bartering. Winter months he was a manual pin setter at the bowling alley nearby. After his Military service, he earned a Master’s in Education through Syracuse University; and pursued subsequent post graduate studies on the Doctoral track in Education and Psychology; culminating over 208 credits across 11 Universities.
Anthony joined the United States Army 5th Cavalry Division. He served honorably during the Korean War in a critical Administration role in Japan Headquarters for Generals, supporting creation and delivery of critical, often Top Secret documents. Arriving by ship in December with a 1,000 other troops they journeyed on the rough seas for days – crossing the International Dateline and skipping Christmas Day 1954 entirely. He enjoyed every opportunity for Leave to enjoy the culture and excitement of this new world of Asia. He was honorably discharged with various awarded medals.
Upon returning home to New York state his successful teaching and administration career spanned decades and across diverse school systems of rural upstate and affluent downstate (Wyoming Central, Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Otsego County, Dutchess County, Jeffersonville-Youngsville, Bradford); earning accolades as a Teacher, Principal and Superintendent.
It was a friendship made during his Geneseo days that led him to the introduction of the woman he would fall in love with, Suanne O’Hara of Utica, New York. After a courtship complete with convertible rides, ice cream sodas and Adirondack outings, they were married August 20, 1960 by Suanne’s cousin, Reverend William Donavan at St. John Cathedral, Utica. They enjoyed their slightly-shy-of 60 years of marriage, mostly, in Upstate and Western NY. Anthony’s profession in school systems introduced them and their children to the diverse areas of New York State. Together, as their children grew, Tony assured that family adventure was a key element - owning pools, boats and extra-long toboggans. Downhill skiing, pond skating and snowmobiling the Catskills, and lake swimming, boating and waterskiing – often as 3 people at a time sharpened both skills and resilience. Tony also delighted in hunting with his sons. Anthony was proud of his children, their pursuits and accomplishments: Thomas retired from the Military and applying his 82nd Airborne skills as a Smoke Jumper out West; Michael became a seasoned investor and raising 3 impressive young ladies; Kathleen became an environmental scientist and Mary Jo became a business-savvy entrepreneur. An avid fan of sports, sparring and the spirit of “the best man wins”, Tony himself remained active and was a formidable basketball, soccer and baseball referee for high school and college.
Following his success as Superintendent capstone accomplishment securing the building of a new Bradford school, he retired from education transitioned those skills to the next chapter of life; a business owner. Tony and Suanne were the proprietors of The Bourbon Shoppe Painted Post; soon thereafter adding The Erwin Motel. As a couple they enjoyed this new lifestyle for 20 years until their retirement. They enjoyed travel to Italy, Ireland, US Virgin Islands, and Northern California to Cape Cod and Florida to Maine. In their later years, you could find them enjoying Keuka Lake from the Hammondsport Park benches. He and his wife were members of the Argon Dance Club, his Dean Martin voice often on a karaoke mic; and with his sharp mind an ideal Bridge partner, day-trader or pro se litigator. He relished in engaging with others, sharing stories of joy, lessons learned, quandary or Biblical. A conversation, of agreement or debate were equally enjoyable. With a big hat, a big cross and little bus Tony was hard to miss.
Tony found true contentment in his final years on Hillcrest Drive in a home partially build by his own hands, and as an ornithologist and nature lover he delighted in the treasure trove of bird species and visiting deer, bunnies and occasional black bear napping on his porch. Tony was full of life and energy until his last month, buzzing about town in his blue truck giving advice from plumbing to life strategies.
Visiting hours will be held at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St., Corning on Friday March 31st from 5-7:30PM and Saturday April 1st from 9:00 – 10:15AM. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday April 1st at 11AM at St. Mary’s Church of Corning; burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery and reception to follow nearby.