Obituary of Joseph Savino SR

Joseph A. Savino, Sr. "Pop" Elmira: Age 82, passed away Thursday, May 24, 2012 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. Joe was born June 29, 1929, a son of Rocco A. and Mary (DiFabio) Savino. He is predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (Tota) Savino, daughter Carolyn Savino, sister Mary "Babe" Agan, and brother Roy "Junior" Savino. Joe will be sadly missed, but always remembered, by his loving children with their families; Joseph A., Jr. and Debra Savino, Pine City and children, Michael, Gregory (Lauren), and Kristen; Kathleen S. and Whitney Vantine, Youngtown NY and children, Emily and Tyler; David M. Savino, Geneva NY; Debra and Mario DeMichele, Elmira and daughter Lauren; Diane and Michael Carozza, Horseheads; Peter J. and Linda Savino, Stone Ridge VA; great grandchildren Sophia Savino and Marlee Savino. Also surviving are his siblings, with their spouses, Frank Savino, Elmira, Dennis and Diane Savino, Florida, Blanche and James Pirozzolo, Horseheads, Theresa and Bill Gamer, Rochester, Linda and James Collins, Elmira; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James Agan, Elmira, Susan Savino, Elmira, Peter and Carole Tota, Horseheads, Thomas and Polly Stapleton, New Jersey, Carol and Jude Nitsche, Alexandra VA; special cousin Marie Wolf, Elmira Heights; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe served with the U S Army, on the front lines, during the Korean War. When he returned from his military duty he came back to Elmira and opened Savino's Shoe Store on S. Main Street. For 35 years he was the owner/operator of the store, moving from S. Main St. to Water St., and finally to Southport Plaza. An avid gardener, Joe had the ability to grow anything. Proud of his family he had many photos displayed in his home of his children and grandchildren. His most treasured time was that spent with his family, including his "grand dogs". Joe was a lifetime member of the Italian American Veterans Club and a long time communicant of St. Patrick's Church, now Blessed Sacrament Parish. Friends are invited to Joe's Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Italian American Veterans Club, 1070 Magee St., Elmira NY 14901 or Chemung County SPCA, Route 352, Elmira NY 14903, in Joe's memory.