1936
Donald
2025
Donald Michael Savino
September 2, 1936 — January 15, 2025
Donald Savino Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we mourn the January 15th passing of Donald Michael Savino, 88, of Scotland, Connecticut.
Donald was born in Manchester, CT on September 2, 1936, the son of the late Clotilda Gado (Savino) Balchunas and Alexander Balchunas.
Donald enlisted in the army at 17 years old and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. He was extremely patriotic, with an intense passion for American History.
Upon discharge from the Marines, he met and married the love of his life, Renate. Together, they raised four children and later hosted sleepover weekends with masses of grandchildren. Even as the family grew, they remained close and cherish precious memories of multi-generational family vacations. From Sunday dinners, two weeks on the beach every August, to seasonal campsites at Water’s Edge, the Savino family valued their time together, and the grandchildren grew up as close as siblings.
Don & Renate were extremely generous, and it was not unusual to have dozens of guests at a beach house during their vacation. The generations of Savino children, all remember friends, extended family, bonfires on the beach, jumping waves, fishing, boating, clamming, card playing, and endless meals.
Don was also an avid sports fan and coached multiple youth sports for his sons, for his daughter, and even for his grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and remained closely connected to each of them. He was always excited to support the interests of his children and grandchildren, and frequently shared in chartered fishing trips, varied sports games, races, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, long road trips to visit grandchildren, and large family gatherings on major Holidays. He was always a centerpiece, the Patriarch. His Holiday toasts were always focused on love, the importance of family, and a mindful commitment to take care of each other.
He modeled a stellar work ethic and spent many years working as a welder at Pratt & Whitney while also working many evening shifts as a grocer. When layoffs were a threat, he and his wife opened a grinder shop. Their love of good food and their ability to cook for large crowds allowed them to host many successful fundraisers over the years, usually to benefit Scotland Youth Sports.
In recent years, Donald was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Renate Savino, a son, Edward Savino, and a niece, Susan Parla. He is survived by his loving and devoted children; Daniel Savino and Laurie of Hampton, Anthony Savino and Melanie of Andover, and Tina (Savino) Smith and William of East Haddam ~ and a cherished sister, Linda (Parla) Roberts. He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren; Heather, Richard, Melissa, Emily, Morgan, Michael, Nicholas, Cameron, and Dylan ~ and a multitude of great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome friends and relatives in a celebratory remembrance at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org . To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donald Michael Savino, please visit our floral store.
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It is with deep sadness that we mourn the January 15th passing of Donald Michael Savino, 88, of Scotland, Connecticut.
Donald was born in Manchester, CT on September 2, 1936, the son of the late Clotilda Gado (Savino) Balchunas and Alexander Balchunas.
Donald enlisted in the army at 17 years old and was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp. He was extremely patriotic, with an intense passion for American History.
Upon discharge from the Marines, he met and married the love of his life, Renate. Together, they raised four children and later hosted sleepover weekends with masses of grandchildren. Even as the family grew, they remained close and cherish precious memories of multi-generational family vacations. From Sunday dinners, two weeks on the beach every August, to seasonal campsites at Water’s Edge, the Savino family valued their time together, and the grandchildren grew up as close as siblings.
Don & Renate were extremely generous, and it was not unusual to have dozens of guests at a beach house during their vacation. The generations of Savino children, all remember friends, extended family, bonfires on the beach, jumping waves, fishing, boating, clamming, card playing, and endless meals.
Don was also an avid sports fan and coached multiple youth sports for his sons, for his daughter, and even for his grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and remained closely connected to each of them. He was always excited to support the interests of his children and grandchildren, and frequently shared in chartered fishing trips, varied sports games, races, birthday parties, graduations, weddings, long road trips to visit grandchildren, and large family gatherings on major Holidays. He was always a centerpiece, the Patriarch. His Holiday toasts were always focused on love, the importance of family, and a mindful commitment to take care of each other.
He modeled a stellar work ethic and spent many years working as a welder at Pratt & Whitney while also working many evening shifts as a grocer. When layoffs were a threat, he and his wife opened a grinder shop. Their love of good food and their ability to cook for large crowds allowed them to host many successful fundraisers over the years, usually to benefit Scotland Youth Sports.
In recent years, Donald was pre-deceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Renate Savino, a son, Edward Savino, and a niece, Susan Parla. He is survived by his loving and devoted children; Daniel Savino and Laurie of Hampton, Anthony Savino and Melanie of Andover, and Tina (Savino) Smith and William of East Haddam ~ and a cherished sister, Linda (Parla) Roberts. He also leaves behind his nine grandchildren; Heather, Richard, Melissa, Emily, Morgan, Michael, Nicholas, Cameron, and Dylan ~ and a multitude of great-grandchildren.
The family will welcome friends and relatives in a celebratory remembrance at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson Street, Willimantic, Connecticut on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will be a private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org . To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Donald Michael Savino, please visit our floral store.
Read More
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Michael Savino, please visit our flower store.
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