OBITUARY
Kenneth James Savastano
March 25, 1942 – February 18, 2021
Kenneth James Savastano, born March 25, 1942, transitioned into heaven on February 18, 2021. He was preceded by his parents, Anthony and Virginia and his siblings Linda Savastano, Anthony (Potch) Savastano, Marie Munch, Jeanette Matranga, Anna Mae Viator and Ernest Joseph Savastano, grandson Harold Edward (Teddy) Owen III, nephew (loved like a brother) Dion Savastano and many nieces and nephews. Ken was happily married for fifty-eight years to Aloma Fox Savastano and was blessed with two daughters and sons-in-law: Virginia Owen (Harold) and Kerrie deVay (Frank). He was extremely happy to have grandchildren including: Teddy Owen, Benjamin Owen, Jessica deVay (Omar Khalid), Stephanie deVay, and Katherine deVay. Most recently he enjoyed the birth of his first great grandson, Luca Khalid. An avid fisherman and farmer, Ken enjoyed living in Plaquemines Parish, hunting 80-100 alligators a year. He kept the family well stocked from fishing with Mike Viator and Dave Boisdore. He and Aloma operated a citrus farm for many years. Picking and selling oranges was one of his favorite things to do. He started his career as one of the first to use computers to write code and process data for the Apollo Missions. This was back in the days when computers took up whole floors of a building. Later as a physical scientist he worked for General Electric, NOAA and NASA. At NOAA, he enjoyed analyzing and maintaining data on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. But most importantly, he was all about family and friends. Always helping people when he could, he devoted his time to helping his community survive and thrive the aftermath of hurricanes. He is loved and will be missed by many. We wish him well in his heavenly home. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his honor to Nunez Community College Foundation for the Coastal Studies Scholarship/Savastano. Mail to 3710 Paris Rd., Chalmette, La 70043. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation to be held at ST. BERNARD MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, February 27th from 11:00AM – 1:00PM, followed by a memorial service in Kenneth’s memory beginning at 1:00PM. Kenneth will be laid to rest in a private ceremony. Due to COVID-19, face masks and social distancing are required
Services
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Visitation
Saturday, February 27, 2021
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Memorial Service
Saturday, February 27, 2021
Memories
Kenneth James Savastano
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYAloma Savastano
March 2, 2021
Mr. Ken was a man of integrity one that I cherished, loved, respected. He actually mentored me, poured into me, cared for me, believed in me and I genuinely felt as if he was part of the farm. I will miss him tremendously.
Nate Wall
Wall's Gator Farm
V Owen
February 28, 2021
V Owen
February 28, 2021
V Owen
February 28, 2021
Patti is a great photographer, lucky for us.
Virginia Owen
February 28, 2021
Leah Lamey
February 28, 2021
Uncle Kenny,
My earliest memory of you was when we were kids.
Danny and I
would stay with Grandma for a couple of weeks durning the summer. You would take us to Woodlawn School for camp each day. I think you worked there. After camp you would drive us home and go as fast as you could. You took your foot off of the gas pedal to see how far we could coast. Most of the time we would make it into the shell driveway between Uncle Joe’s and Grandma’s house.
After marrying Aunt Aloma, who we also love, you took Joette and I to college for a week. You played games, colored in coloring
books, and took us for walks looking for insects for your insect collection. I thought how great that time was. You exhibited love of family even way back than.
You will be sadly missed by all.
Your Niece
Leah Viator Lamey
(Picture below is with Uncle Kenny, Lauren, and Amy)
Frank deVay
February 27, 2021
Jessica deVay
February 27, 2021
Dennis Lambert
February 27, 2021
Ken will be missed by all who love Breton Sound! I love you Ken and Aloma❤️
Dennis, Stella, Lillian and Grace
Ben Owen
February 27, 2021
“Hello Mr. Ben!”
I am incredibly glad to have been able to spend 19 years with my Gramps. He was the best grandpa a boy could ask for.
I remember waking up very early to load the boat and go fishing in the marshes. We would fish for seemingly all day and catch tons of great fish. I can’t count how many times Teddy and I knotted our lines and Gramps untangled them for us. I wish I could go fishing with him again, but he is probably catching all the best in Heaven.
Gramps always enlisted my brother and me to pick satsumas, navels, grapefruit, and the evil kumquats. We picked, bagged, and sold so much fruit! Teddy and I would always leave with lots of money for our work. 😊 Now I understand Gramps was trying to instill in us a good work ethic, the same which he did for my mom.
I talked with Gramps about everything. He once called me while I was with my girlfriend and we talked for over an hour, to her dismay. A recent subject was stocks. He helped me start off my stock portfolio by giving lots advice on good and bad picks. I must have gotten good at it because Gramps started asking for my advice towards the end of the year…
Gramps was not a mechanical person. This was both funny and anguishing. He once drove up to Memphis to visit and mentioned a terrible smell in his truck. When Dad and I looked at the cabin air filter we found a big dead rat! A rotting rat had been in his air vents for 2 weeks! Recently I restored a golf cart for him because I knew he had a hard time walking. He tried to burn up the motor on the first day though, when he rested his foot on the throttle for a few minutes. He loved the golf cart though, so that’s all that matters.
I love my Gramps, and know he is happy as can be now up in Heaven. I’m going to miss him though. There are so many more stories I could tell, but I will end this like he ended every conversation with me.
“I love you grandson. Be careful! If you need anything from us you can always call. Goodbye”
frank devay
February 26, 2021
Tomatoes, Crabs, Fish, Ceviche
Kenneth and I had great times together, with never a cross word or quarrel. We had lots in common and definitely shared an obsession with food.
Kenneth always had an abundance of produce that he farmed and seafood he caught. He took great joy in sharing delicious tomatoes,“cochon” pumpkins, merlitons, crabs, fresh caught fish, and obviously, citrus. Every visit to Braithwaite ended with us carrying home bags full of fresh fish and produce. Sometimes, he would take our family on a tour of the garden, harvesting fresh fruit and vegetables along the way.
One year, Kenneth was enthusiastically into crabbing. We joined him on the boat for a "pleasure cruise" and to empty a few (hundred) traps. The entire day was spent harvesting bushels and bushels of crabs. Throughout the season, he delivered dozens of boiled crabs to us…literally, like 3-4 dozen at a time! We spent the spring enjoying crab omelettes for breakfast and crab cakes for dinner.
One Christmas, I cured salmon fillets that Kenneth caught in Alaska. He liked it and got the idea we should try it with trout. The experiment did not turn out well; the trout was way too salty. Kenneth had nothing but compliments and ate healthy helpings.
Kenneth and I were talking about ceviche. This inspired him to make some using shrimp and sac-a-lait. The recipe was complicated and the ceviche was fantastic! Since he knew how much I liked it, he made large batches for me every time we visited.
Everyone knows that Kenneth had a sweet tooth. I was the beneficiary of that trait on more than one occasion. Kerrie baked her signature lemon lime pound cake, fig cookies, doberge cake and key lime pie for him. Like television baking shows, Kenneth took his role as dessert judge very seriously, particularly with the fig cookies.
I very much appreciated Kenneth's friendship, love of family, generosity and kind-heartedness. I am going to miss my Father-in-law and friend.
Virginia Owen
February 26, 2021
Virginia Owen
February 26, 2021
Ginger Owen
February 26, 2021
A letter to my Dad... I know you can see this.
It's an honor to be your daughter. Thanks for being my Dad. I took much for granted as a kid. Our family is small but our house is filled with love, big unconditional love. Our home has always been my safe haven. You would have been happiest if Kerrie and I along with our families had settled on the property.
You taught us your work ethic early, getting us up to pick oranges singing "Time to get up, Time to get up". You gave me the entire sale for everything I picked which went into my college savings. All of those years of work covered 1 year of college expenses. What a lesson! Then you paid for the rest of my education. As I grew I didn't hear "Don't you want to be a doctor when you grow up?" I heard "What kind of doctor do you want to be when you grow up?" When there was a health issue in the family, like a skin problem you'd say "You could be a dermatologist" and you made it possible. I don't know many others who graduated from medical school debt free. You gave me my first car and financed the second when I started working.
Having Harold as a son-in-law was handy as he'd fly us in every month or two for a visit and fix your mechanical problems. A mechanic you are not! It was wonderful being together for most holidays and vacations. The boys have had close relationships with you and Grammy. Teddy even called you on speed dial at 4 y/o to tell on his parents when he didn't get his way. You were devastated when he left, as we all were. Life goes on. Ben rebuilt a golf cart for you this year. You are so proud of him. and I'm sure you will continue to watch his accomplishments.
This Savastano life is a great one. Last year was tough on you and while I would have liked a few more years together, I'm happy for you too. You told me the day before you left "I'm ok here or there because I have family in both places". Go fishing with Teddy, Dad. See you soon. Love, Ginger
Angelika Savastano
February 26, 2021
Love and will miss you
I'm so thankful when Dion and I got married, your Family welcomed me with open arms. I really felt I became a Savastano and was so proud of it. You and Aloma helped me through some rough times, great times and we enjoyed watching the girls grow up into awesome women.
Thank you for taking us to Oak River where Dion's last resting place he wanted his ashes to be. He had such great memories of fishing there with Grandpa, his Dad (Potch), and YOU.
Angie Savastano (Angie Pangie)
Rich McAllister
February 26, 2021
Uncle Kenny was always someone I looked up to and a pleasure just to be around. My fondest memory was an alligator hunting trip, just the two of us, when we returned to the house and unloaded three gators, I told him I was heading back home, at which time he laughed and informed me I was about to learn how to clean alligator. I enjoyed that day greatly and remember every detail vividly as he treated me with great kindness as always. I can hear that voice,
that laugh, see that smile, feel that strong handshake. Great sweet man!
Donna Spiers
February 26, 2021
Kenneth was one of my bosses and friends from working at NOAA\NMFS at Stennis Space Center Engineering Division.
Kenneth was always there to help and teach anyone who could benefit from his vast knowledge and skills with his expertise as physical scientist.
He was a good friend and shared fun times with our many years of "Gator Cooks" and his sharing his citrus harvest with many of us. Lots of loving care and work was done on his part and Wifey Aloma getting these activities to run smoothly. There are some great memories.
My love to the him and Savastano family for letting me and my family be extended family members.
Love and Prayers to all.
Liz & Dick
February 25, 2021
My fondest memories of Uncle Ken are Christmas spent at Grandma & Papa Savasatano’s home. We lived in CT & each year we went south for the holidays. Uncle Ken, Uncle EJ, sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews formed teams for the annual Monopoly game at Christmas. Sometimes the game was so intense, it continued to New Year’s Day at Grandma Ginny’s! Winner’s bragging rights lasted until the next holiday! My fondest memory & thankful for time spent with my Aunt & Uncle was in Nov 2019. I had not been back to Woodlawn since 2012 when I saw the devastation of Isaac’s flooding. Returning in 2019 to see homes raised 14’ (+/-) was astonishing. Most of you who knew Uncle Ken, know his pension for giving you minute details of everything! We had a complete tour & detailed engineering review of how the house was raised. Still boggles my mind! Instilled in all the Savastano children was the love & understanding of nature & the uniqueness of living on the Mississippi Delta. Uncle Ken’s orange farm was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina & Hurricane Isaac. This did not deter him from continuing with the orange farm – it was a pure labor of love. Our tour of the orange farm included samples, detailed descriptions of the various varieties & the trials & tribulations of orange farming. His passion to protect the natural resources of the Mississippi delta was foremost on his agenda. He led the fight for levee protection after Katrina & recently against the devastating Mississippi river diversion plans for the area. After having the best bowl of Aunt Loma’s Gumbo, Dick & I received an extremely detailed account of Uncle Ken’s alligator hunting activities. He spent a significant amount of time, explaining to us, a girl from CT & a guy from KS, the minute details of how to trap, skin, & take to market an alligator! Dick & I often fondly remember this discussion! If we ever encounter an alligator in CT or KS, we are prepared!! (Marie Savastano’s daughter)
Michael Viator
February 25, 2021
My uncle Kenny was a mentor and a father to me....I’ll miss the weekly conversations we shared, especially the fishing stories that were never ending. To have him as a fishing partner was always a time of happiness and adventure...that was one of his biggest passions. If he couldn’t go fishing, he wanted to hear about it. He will be missed and forever in my thoughts....
Jessica Devay
February 24, 2021
At first glance, Kenneth was a quiet man but if you asked the right question he became animated and activated. I loved asking Kenneth questions. He was a natural teacher. He knew so much and had so much to tell. Every time we went down to Braithwaite I would look forward to when he would take us on walks around his land. He would teach us all about the plants and animals, show us the different varieties of citrus, greens, and other fruits and vegetables, and teach us about how they are grown and harvested. His tours were legendary. I remain fascinated at the depth of knowledge and wisdom he held. He was a man of science and a man of the land. An awesome combination of book smarts and local intuition. He had a passion for his place of origin. He fished the bayous, cultivated countless varieties and types of plants, fed his community, and was a fixture at local farmers markets bridging the gap between us city folk and the place where our food comes from. He wasn’t afraid to stand up for his community either, writing letters and taking trips to the state capital to advocate for the natural habitats and waterways that he held so dear. He had such a deep connection to his home and he was able to share it with so many. He spent his life surrounded by the land and people he loved. To me this is the mark of a life well lived.
Aloha Young
February 24, 2021
Ken is already missed as Lent is upon us and I have no fish!!! (Ha, the nerve of him) Ken always saw to it that I had fish in my freezer, especially during lent. He always made sure I had plenty of whatever fresh fruit and vegetables they had as well. Not only fish to eat, he actually took me fishing!!! That was a brave thing to do. My friends (Inez and James) came down from Georgia and Ken took us all to the White Ditch and we fished from the bank. I caught a big red fish that day and was so proud. I think that was probably the only fish I ever caught.
Ken would always take James fishing when he came down. James said no one had ever treated him the way Ken did, not even his sons. He really loved Ken. On one occasion the girls (Aloma, Inez and me) crashed one of their fishing trips and decided to go crabbing while they fished. We had the best time tying chicken necks to a string and pulling in crabs. We had a basket full in no time while they had barely caught any fish. When we arrived at their house and put a pot of water to boil it was starting to get dark. The crabs were crawling out the basket and we were chasing them around the yard. That was hilarious but they sure were good eating.
I was at their house one day when Ken was cleaning a big fish. He had filleted the fish on both sides and the thing was still flapping. I couldn’t believe my eyes but it did and Ken carefully picked it up and threw it in the trash pile???
When we went on family cruises Ken and Fred (my deceased husband) always brought up the rear. Ken only moved at one speed and Fred walked with a walker. They made a good pair. At times we would have to stop and wait for them. They had their speed and there was no rushing those two.
Yes, Ken will be missed by all who knew him and everyone has their own story. He left a long trail of family and friends and all are now without one of the best.
Debbie Kelly
February 24, 2021
If there was ever a good thing to come out of Hurricane Katrina, it would be that it brought Aloma and Ken into the lives of my husband Thomas and I. The four of us made it our mission to see that the Plaquemines Parish East Bank Non-Federal Levee was rebuilt so that it actually protected the East Bank. Through hours of research, meetings, holding talks and traveling, Aloma and I formed a fast and strong friendship. And of course Ken and Thomas were there every step of the way helping and supporting us. For a few years our fight for levee protection became all consuming; a bit like a full time job without the monetary benefits. But Ken would tease us by offering to give us a raise by doubling our salary. Then he would wink and remind us that doubling zero was still zero.
Years have passed and the friendship only deepened. Many nights Thomas and I placed our feet under the Savastano dinner table listening to Ken tell stories about growing up in Plaquemines Parish. Ken had such love for his family and community; he truly cared about his friends and neighbors. But his eyes would take on a special sparkle when he talked about his daughters and grandchildren.
Ken's loving and generous spirit was also a blessing to Thomas and I. He shared his time, his harvests, his home, but most importantly, his friendship.
He had a beautiful life, well lived, and well loved, ending long before we wanted. Ken will be long remembered, dearly missed, and forever loved.
Rest in peace my friend.
Jessica Devay
February 23, 2021
Love and kisses from Luca!
Mary Thompson
February 23, 2021
Hello Y'all, What I want to say about Granddaddy Ken is a lot of things. There are too many good things to say. I don’t have any grandfathers left in my life, and Granddaddy Ken was not only a light in my life, he was like a third grandfather to me. He had beautiful advice to tell everyone and a beautiful heart to go with it. I loved him like my own family, just like I love the Owens as my second family. You all are beautiful people and I love you like my own family. Y'all will be in my prayers and thoughts in this tough time. I love y'all and I loved him.
Patti Jernigan Gary
February 23, 2021
I am so very thankful to have the great fortune of having Ginger as my lifelong best friend. With Ging came the Savastano family! My earliest memories of Mr. Kenneth are of him coming home from work. He was always glad to be home, saying "Loma" as he entered. I can hear him saying that like it was yesterday. Mr. Kenneth would ask about the day and was sincerely interested in how everyone's day was. This was very foreign to me. He would even ask me. I felt so special. He took time to talk to little me and that continued as I grew up. He took the time to impart his thoughts, but never in a condescending manner. I saw also early on what a loving relationship looked like as he and Mrs. Aloma were perfect examples of this. As a teenager, I recall one interaction vividly. I was a bit naive and gullible. Mr. Kenneth was concerned about something in particular that I was going thru. For some reason, I had driven to their home. As I was leaving he walked me out and sat in my car. We drove up and down Bazile Dr. with him talking to me, asking me questions, listening, challenging. He really cared what I thought and looking back I see that he was prodding me to open my eyes, to use my brain, analyze, research, form an educated opinion and make up my own mind. He didn't have to take that time with one of his daughter's friends, but he did and to this day I am so appreciative. As an adult, I loved meeting Ging "down the road". We tried to do this at least two times a year, always staying at their home. Oh the fun we had, getting up early (but never as early as he and Mrs. Aloma!), sometimes picking and washing satsumas, walking the front and the back levee, eating all the wonderful food Mrs. Aloma made. He told the best stories. Even when he was grumpy, he was a delight to be around. :) My relationship with my own father was very different. Perhaps because of that I am even more appreciative of him. He impacted my life. Thank you Mr. Kenneth!
Frank Dainello
February 23, 2021
I had the good fortune to have had Kenneth as a room mate in college. He never knew the influence he had on my college career. Although Kenneth was a fun loving person, he always put studies ahead of playtime, unlike our friends who seemed to congregate in our room. These people always seemed to be in a party mode. This would be a problem for most people. Not so for Kenneth. He had an uncanny ability to concentrate . Our friends would try all sorts of things to break his concentration. One or two even resorted unsuccessfully to slapping him in the head . Once his studies were completed, he then led the fun and games Thank God I eventually learned, Study first! God Bless your soul my friend. Thank you for the good example.
Capt. George Ricks
February 23, 2021
Ken was a great friend and mentor. He was an original founding member when we started The Save Louisiana Coalition in 2013. His passion in the fight against river diversions was matched only by his love of the marsh and his caring in preserving our fishing heritage. He was always there to receive my call. I will miss him tremendously. R.I.P. Ken, we'll keep up the fight for you.
V Owen
February 22, 2021
A note from his grandson Teddy in Heaven
My Gramps was so important in my life, always my advocate- deserved or not. Unconditional love is what he gave me. He taught me to go for what I want, to use my abilities and creativity to earn money to be self-sufficient and land on my feet, no matter what the world threw at me. I loved working on the citrus farm with him and shared his love of selling oranges, interacting with all different kinds of people. So much fun!
He loved the land and nature. With the exception of college he lived in Braithwaite for his entire life, leaving to visit me and travel with the family. His humble beginnings fueled his ambition to succeed and that he did. If providing for his family was his purpose, fishing was his passion. He was an amazing fisherman and still is. I'm sure the bayous in Heaven are well stocked. He had a good life with Grammy here.
He's with me now, off to new adventures. We have many projects in the works and he's the math wiz in the group. I need to put him to work as he's been retired for a while. It's a new phase and we're together, keeping an eye on all of you. These 20-30 year gaps apart are nothing in the big scheme of things, so we'll see you soon when you get home. This was an awesome life, filled with love, light and happiness. You guys keep it up. Don't let us down. We have a reputation to uphold you know.
Much Love, Teddy
Stephanie de Vay
February 21, 2021
Kerrie Devay
February 21, 2021
Kenneth Savastano had an amazing life. When he was a baby, his family’s home caught fire, destroying everything. His family recovered over time, being hard-working Italians. His father was a deputy sheriff, trapper, and farmer. His mother was known for her great cooking and she spoiled him fiercely, as he was the youngest. His family instilled a love of the land which he enjoyed as a farmer, fisherman, and alligator hunter.
Somehow after hard years, he managed to get the girl of his dreams, Aloma! Both graduated from Woodlawn with honors and went to college earning advanced degrees. During this time, he became a proud father of two daughters, Ginger and Kerrie. He raised his children to be independent and work hard.
He certainly set the example. Ken started his career as one of the first to use computers to write code for the Apollo Missions. Later as a physical scientist, he worked for GE, NOAA and NASA. He enjoyed analyzing data on marine life in the Gulf. In addition to careers, Ken and Aloma owned a farm with over 1200 trees. They grew and sold thousands of oranges. He loved ordering seeds and planting vegetables.
He was extremely proud of his two grandsons. Teddy, who shared his grandfather’s love of the land and farming. And Ben, after getting his pilot’s license at 16, was able to fly him around and who rebuilt a golf cart for his Gramps. Their Dad, Harold, taught both sons how to fix almost everything, enabling them to help out.
Most people remember him as exceptional fisherman. Then he was into a bigger catch getting over 80 gators each year. Kenneth enjoyed eating seafood that Aloma and his son-in-law, Frank cooked. And he made sure the deVay girls: Jess, Steph and Kat had his vehicles so they would be safe driving to college. More recently, he enjoyed meeting his great-grandson Luca.
Most of all, Kenneth had a great life and got to eat ice-cream almost every day. We all wonder what he’s doing in heaven probably fishing
Jill Baumy
February 19, 2021
Mrs. Aloma and Family,
Sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jill and Randy Baumy