Benjamin Joseph Savoia was born on March 19, 1929 in Sparkill, NY to Benjamin and Jennie Savoia. In 1948, Ben enlisted in the US Navy to begin a 20-year career. Ben served in the Korean War and on the USS Newport News during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He and his family lived in Massachusetts, Cannes, France, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. He retired in 1968 as a Chief Petty Officer after 20 years in the Navy. Ben retired to Nashua NH to work at Sanders Associates and Calcomp until 1992.
Ben, a devoted husband, was married to his wife, Barbara, for 66 years. They had three children. He will be missed by their oldest daughter, Debra Lavigne of Manchester and son-in-law Norm Lavigne; daughter Cynthia Hansen of North Conway and son-in-law Cort Hansen and son David Savoia of Nashua and daughter-in-law Margaret Savoia. Ben and Barbara enjoyed their six grandchildren--granddaughters Kim and Kristy Lavigne and Audrey Hansen, and grandsons Joseph, Nicholas and Matthew Savoia. There was nothing Ben enjoyed more than having his family gather together.
Ben had four sisters. He is survived by Marie MacDonald and Phyllis Favre. He is predeceased by Evelyn Kopac and Elaine Dealing. He has many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed seeing when he visited his sisters in NY.
A loyal NY Yankees fan, Ben loved sports, having played in his youth. He served as coach for his children's baseball and softball teams. He was a member of The Knights of Columbus. Ben also volunteered at his church and for various organizations. Ben liked gardening and established a garden wherever he lived. The beautiful flowers he planted at the Hunt brought joy to many each summer. Ben and Barbara were long time members of the Parish of the Resurrection Church in Nashua. His family meant everything to him and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. In October of 2018, Ben and his son David had the opportunity to go on the Honor Flight for Veterans to Washington DC, and both really enjoyed having that experience together.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arrangements will be made by Zis-Sweeney & St. Laurent Funeral Home, Nashua NH.
Burial will take place at NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.
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