Obituary of Anthony Savage

Tony Savage, 77, also known affectionately by his childhood nickname, “Butch” passed suddenly on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital in Delaware with his loving wife, Susan at his side.  He was the eldest son of the late Anthony J. and Carmella (Pirone) Savage.

Tony was a hometown boy who was born, raised and lived in Bound Brook before moving to Middlesex 36 years ago.  At the time of his passing, he was in the process of relocating to a retirement community in Bridgeville, DE.

After graduating Bound Brook High, Tony went to work at American Cyanamid, working there  for 20 years primarily in Office Services.  Most of that time he also worked as a musician.  Later, while attending college in the evenings, Tony worked as a Facilities Manager at Federal Pacific Electric and Services Manager at Lockheed Electronics.  In 1989, Tony fulfilled a personal goal of obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University.  He completed his professional working career as Purchasing/Facilities Manager for Visiting Nurse Services, retiring in 1998.  During “retirement” he made real estate investments which he actively managed and he enjoyed taking on numerous DIY projects.

Tony was a people-person who loved spending time with friends and family and had a wonderful sense of humor.  He enjoyed get-togethers to talk, laugh and share memories. 

Music was his lifetime passion.  Taught by his Uncle, as a child he knew he was obliged to practice daily or walk home.  But, what he sometimes resented he later counted as a blessing as it developed him into a talented musician and instilled in him a great love.  In his youth, he played saxophone with local civic bands.  He later joined local professional bands, his most memorable being the Shotguns.  They played in many local clubs as well as for special events.  Although Tony no longer played his Selma Sax, he never lost his love and passion for music.  Listening to music was one of his favorite and most relaxing pastimes.

Midway thru life, Tony met his love, soulmate and friend, Susan and married in 1982.    They were constant companions who shared a life and did everything together.  Supporting each other in bad times as well as cherishing the largely wonderful times.  He lavished his love and affection on his extended family of nieces and nephews and shared pride in their accomplishments.

Having done some traveling abroad, in recent years Tony and Sue could be found traveling by car.  Picking a destination but choosing the roads less traveled on journeys they dubbed their “Small Town America” adventures.  These journeys enthralled his passions:  His love of people was enriched by those he would meet and talk with along the way;  His interest in aviation and WWII history influenced some of the destinations choices;  Finally, his deep love of music lead us to many birthplaces of American music….with music playing all the way!  His most memorable trip was a “bucket list” cross country adventure, stopping to see whatever looked interesting and staying as long as the stop required before proceeding along their way.

Tony leaves behind a life well lead as well as a broken-hearted wife of thirty-seven years; Susan (Holster) Savage.  He was predeceased by his younger brother Robert.  Surviving are: sister  JoAnne Pugliese & husband Carmine of Bound Brook; sister-in-law Cathy Creteau & husband Roger of Murrells Inlet, SC; mother-in-law Ann Holster of Seaford, DE and sister-in-law Pamela Carlucci of Forked River, NJ.  He also leaves a son Anthony, daughter Tony Marie and 3 grandchildren.  Tony’s extended family included ten nieces and nephews, twenty-five great nieces and nephews, a great-great niece, several aunts, many cousins and numerous lifetime friends.

Visitation will be held at Middlesex Funeral Home, 528 Bound Brook Road on Friday, October 25th from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Saturday October 26th at 10:00 am.  A prayer service and eulogies will commence at 10:30 followed by a committal service in the chapel of Somerset Hills Memorial Park in Basking Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children would be appreciated.