John E. Savago, 72, of Englewood, Fla.

ENGLEWOOD, FLA. » John E. Savago, 72, of Englewood, Fla., formerly of Gardiner, N.Y., where he spent most of his life, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born Aug. 29, 1945, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., the son of the late Charles J. and Mary A. (Warren) Savago. John married his high school sweetheart, Jean S. Scott, on Jan. 2, 1965, in New Paltz, N.Y.

John graduated from New Paltz High School and worked as an electrician before becoming a New Paltz policeman in 1972. John left the police force to work at UPS, where he retired at the age of 57. Throughout the years, John was a member of the New Paltz Fire Department, where he served as assistant chief; the Italian Center of Poughkeepsie; the Elks Club; Wallkill Rod and Gun Club; and the Gardiner Fire Department, where he recently served as commissioner. John was instrumental in getting the new Gardiner Firehouse constructed. John was a town justice for 32 years in Gardiner and received the Ulster County Police Chiefs Award for Meritorious Citizenship — Justice Award, for which he was extremely honored. John performed numerous wedding ceremonies

in various locations, including Ireland, St. Croix, and even while jumping from an airplane.

What John loved most was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. John loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed many trips to the Yaak. John loved to entertain and hosted many “PTA” gatherings on Friday nights. He loved vintage cars and his pride and joy was his 1955 Pontiac Star Chief. John was kind-hearted, generous and loving. He touched many lives.

John is survived by his wife Jean of 53 years; his son Ken and Tracy Savago of Gardiner; his daughter Joni Savago and Steve Fleischer of Ulster Park; his son-in-law, Mark Hegeman

of Highland; his sister Joan and John Sutherland of New Port Richey, Fla.; his brother Bob and Venetia Savago of Macedonia, Ohio; his sister Jill and Tom Donald of Kingston; his brother Tim and Brenda Savago of New Paltz; his grandchildren, Marissa and Cody Savago, Matt and Jacob Shand, and Roger Hegeman; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He is also survived by his Uncle Pete and Ethel Savago of New Paltz.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Traci.

A celebration of his life will held in September. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Gardiner Fire Department.