Savey, Lt. Col. William H. Sr.

Lt. Col. William H. “Bill” Savey, Sr., formerly of 28 Whig Street, Trumansburg, NY, passed away in Topsfield, MA on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the age of 87.

Born in Ithaca on July 2, 1924, Bill was the son of the late William J. and Lydia K. Savey. Fulfilling his desire to become a pilot, in 1943 he joined the United States Army Air Corps beginning a career that spanned nearly 27 years. After graduating from flight school, Bill piloted B-17s and then B-29s in the Pacific. During the Korean War, he served as Chief of Supply, 49th Fighter Bomber Wing, worked as a line pilot, and later held the position of Supply Officer for all Installations Squadrons (Civil Engineers) in Korea. Bill’s travels during his career took him around the world, before being stationed in Riverside, CA. Retiring in 1970 with the rank of Lt. Col. and as a Command Pilot, he was recognized by the U.S. Air Force and received various decorations throughout his career for outstanding service to his country.

Following his retirement, Bill and Helen, his wife of 59 years, settled with their family in Trumansburg. Over the years he was involved in community service and was an active member in veteran organizations. While Bill enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling and wood working, most of all he took pride in caring for his “old” house on Whig Street, which often called upon his many talents.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Helen H. Savey in 2008; son, William H. Savey Jr. in 2005; sister, Elsie Nelson; and brother, Russell R. Savey. He is survived by a son David (Laura) Savey; daughter-in-law, Terry Savey; ten grandchildren, Jennifer, Adrianne, Rachel, Timothy, William S., Jessica, Rebecca, Patricia, Jonathan and Michael; six great grandchildren; two brothers, Lenfred L. Savey and Fredric M. Bell; and a sister, Carolyn B. Kuhn. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Trumansburg with Rev. Dr. Jeff Losey officiating.

The family asks those who wish to remember Bill in the form of a contribution to kindly consider making a contribution to a charitable organization for Homeless Veterans.