Thursday, October 1, 2026 | St. Lawrence County, NY
ROCHESTER -- Michael Gerald Savage died September 26, 2026, at Strong Memorial Hospital.
He was born November 24, 1946, in Massena, New York, son of the late Gerald H. Savage and the late Helena C. White.
He graduated from Massena high school in 1964, went on to LeMoyne College, in Syracuse, NY graduating in 1968 with a BS in Biology. He then went to Colgate University, in Hamilton, NY finishing there in1970 with an MA in Teaching High School Science.
He also did additional graduate work at SUNY'S Oswego and Brockport. He attended Newton College and Texas A&M for additional graduate work.
After college he taught biology, earth science, and physical science at North Rose-Wolcott Central School from 1969 until his retirement in 2002, after 33 years of service.
During these years He worked on developing the Honors Program in Science. He also was department chairman several times.
Additionally, he was co-advisor to the following groups; National Honor Society, Student Council and the classes of 1978, 1996, and 2002 He was also the advisor to the marching band's color guard.
Over several years he directed, choreographed and/or was stage manager for 13 musical and dramatic productions at NR-W High School.
The high school experience led Michael and several others to form a community "theatre" group, Lakeshore Little Theatre that lasted 8 years, especially performing the works of Neil Simon and other comic playwrights. Our dinner theater shows were a good time for actors and audience alike.
However, his greatest joy was in teaching and seeing the delight of students who were turned on when they finally understood a new concept, realizing, perhaps for the first time, that they could learn. It was an especial treat to have students receive a grade of 100 on a Regents Exam.
Michael also believed that the town you live in deserved some of your time and energy. At various times he served on the Boards of Trustees for the libraries in Rose and Wolcott, serving as secretary and president of each at different times.
He was also involved with WAVAC, the local ambulance corps. Again, he served as president. Additionally, he was also politically involved serving on the town of Rose's, and Wayne County's Democratic Committees.
He was a member of the North Rose Lions Club and the Wolcott Lioness club serving as president. A member of Saint Mary Magdalene's Roman Catholic Church he served on the Parish Council. Michael was very active in the Rose Historical Society, especially active in creating their museum.
Throughout his teaching years Michael was active in his local teacher's union as well as NEA-NY and the National Union NEA. He served as a delegate and was on the board of directors of NEA- New York.
Understanding that all work and no play was not a good idea Michael loved to play golf (poorly) and many card games like bridge and euchre.
He also loved to sing in the local Council of Churches Palm Sunday cantatas. The North Rose Methodist Handbell Choir also provided much enjoyment.
Gardening was a major pleasure, both flowers and vegetables. He grew huge gardens of both every year as long as he was able.
The accomplishment of which he was most proud was being the first single parent foster family in Wayne County. He had three official foster children over the years and many others who were runaways, strays and teenagers fleeing abuse.
There were 13 additional boys who lived at his house for up to two years. He kept in communication with several of these kids.
Michael was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Edward J. Savage and his brother-in-law, James F. Nalle.
He is survived by his sister, Emily J. Nalle of Cicero, NY, his foster sons, Emile J. Captain of Phoenixville, PA, and Michael A. Cotto of Seneca Falls NY; as well as by his foster daughter, Lorie A. Featherly of Webster, NY. Survivors include 2 nieces; Ticia A. Hooper of Portland, Oregon, Jennifer T. Seymour of Charlotte, NC, 2 nephews Joshua M. Nalle of Cicero, NY and Christopher J. Nalle of Baldwinsville, NY, and his sister-in-law, Sandra J. Savage. There are also great nieces and great-nephews, many cousins, and friends who are survivors.
Calling hours will be at the Farnsworth-Keysor Funeral Home, 5025 Main St. North Rose, NY, on Monday, October 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00pm and also in Massena, NY, at Phillips Memorial Home on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Church located at 212 Main Street, Massena, at 10:00 AM.
Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery in Brasher Falls, NY, following the funeral service.
For those wishing to make contributions in Michael's name they may do so to the Rose Historical Society; 5016 N. Main Street, North Rose, NY 14516, or the Rose Free Library; 4069 Main St., Rose, NY 14542.
Family and friends are welcome to share condolences, memories, photos and memorial tress by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com.
