Joseph Anthony Savannah, Sr., 84, of Butler, went peacefully to the Lord on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, with his loving wife by his side.
Joseph was born in Butler on Jan. 25, 1940. He was a son of the late Fred and Susie Betro Savannah.
He graduated from Butler Senior High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was a member of the U.S. Navy Band from 1959-1962.
Following his time in the Navy, he met the love of his life and beautiful wife of 59 years, Phyllis Thurston Savannah.
Joseph was a professional musician. He played the accordion with his bandmates, The Castaways, in both New York City and New Jersey.
Joseph and Phyllis returned to Butler and he became an insurance agent. After retiring, he became the strength and conditioning coach for the Butler School District. During his 14 years as coach he grew the program and mentored countless athletes.
Above all, he was a man of devout faith. He was an active member of All Saints Parish, Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic minister. He was also a minister of the Secular Franciscan Order with his best friend, Bill Malloy.
Joseph was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Having never lost his love of music, he played the accordion at local nursing homes and family gatherings. He was also a second degree black belt in karate.
He is survived by and will be sadly missed by his wife, Phyllis Thurston Savannah; six children, Joseph A. Savannah, Jr., Lucia Christie Hindman and her husband, Wayne, Anthony Rocco Savannah and his wife, Jennifer, Matthew Grant Savannah and his wife, Mary, Tina Marie Lourens and her husband, Richard, and Francis John Savannah and his wife, Jessica; his siblings, Donald Savannah and his wife, Darlene, Bernard Savannah and his wife, Susan, Mary Rose Sassone, and Debra Albert and her husband Robert; 13 grandchildren, Niko, Sadie, Nina, Nadia, Corinne, Harper, Rocco, Mia, Aubry, Alex, Ethan, Nicholas and Addison; three great grandchildren, Charlotte, Chloe, and Nash; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Frances Vavro, one brother, Fred Savannah, Jr.; four brothers-in-law, Steve Vavro, Anthony Sassone, Charles Thurston, Jr., and Donald Gootee; and one sister-in- law, Barbara Gootee.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home, 429 Center Ave., Butler, on Friday, May 10, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 11, at 12 noon from All Saints Parish, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler, with Rev. Kevin C. Fazio officiating.
Military Honors will be accorded at the church by American Legion Post 778, VFW Post 249, American Legion Post 117, and VFW Post 499.
Burial will take place in St. Michael’s Cemetery.
The Savannah family extends its thanks to Butler VA Home Services and Monarch Hospice for their excellent care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to All Saints Parish, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, PA 16001, or to Butler VA Home Services, 353 N. Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001.
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