Irene A. Savage

Irene A. Savage, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home at Edgehill Senior Living in Stamford, Connecticut, surrounded by family and friends. She was 86.

Born and raised in Torrington, Connecticut, Irene was the daughter of Joseph and Irene Pukas and sister to Joseph Pukas. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Central Connecticut State University and her master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Hartford. Irene’s passion for learning and helping others flourish shaped a lifetime devoted to education.

She began her career teaching at Torrington High School before moving to Old Greenwich in 1960, where she taught students at Greenwich High School. A summer of travel that took her to Russia, Poland, and Western Europe with fellow Greenwich High School teachers was a life-changing experience. She went on to become an educator at St. Mary High School, where she taught shorthand, business communications, and English. She was known not just for her skill and professionalism but for the way she encouraged everyone to aim higher, work harder, and believe in themselves. Her excellence as an educator was recognized when she received the University of Connecticut Alumni Association’s “Excellence in Teaching” award. After St. Mary’s closed, Irene became a business professor at Berkeley College, Katherine Gibbs School, and later, Westchester Community College, where she continued to be beloved by her students and colleagues alike.

In 1965, Irene married the love of her life, William H. Savage. Together, they built a warm and welcoming home and family in Old Greenwich, where they lived for over 50 years before moving to Edgehill in Stamford in 2017. Irene’s heart overflowed with love for her family. She was the devoted mother of Anne M. Savage of Cos Cob, Pamela Neal (Joseph) of San Diego, California, and Janet Murphey (Ryan) of Old Greenwich. She took the greatest pride and joy in being the most incredible grandmother to Chloe Neal, Beckham Neal, Peter Murphey, and Eric Murphey — cheering their milestones, sharing wisdom, and showering them with unconditional love.

Beyond the classroom, Irene gave generously of her time and talents to her community. She was an active volunteer for the PTA, the Junior League, Greenwich Scholarship Association, and The Rummage Room, as well as a member of the First Congregational Church of Greenwich for over 50 years. She treasured her countless summers by the sound with family and friends as a lifetime member of the Rocky Point Club.

Those who knew Irene will remember her quick smile, her gentle strength, creativity, and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. She had a gift for making others feel seen and valued — whether in her classroom, her neighborhood, or among friends and family.

Irene’s life was a testament to the power of teaching, the beauty of service, and the deep bonds of family. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 1st at 11:00 am at First Congregational Church Old Greenwich.