AVON – Frank Stanley Savage, 73, of Avon, died unexpectedly on Dec. 12, 2014, at his home in Avon.
He was born on Jan. 21, 1941, in Avon, the son of Benjamin and Pearl (Ames) Savage. He attended school in Phillips and graduated from Phillips High School in the class of 1960.
In his early years, Frank worked for J.L. Coombs Shoe Shop in Phillips, K.H. Foster Manufacturing in Strong, State of Maine Highway Dept, and then for 51 years for Oliver Oil Co. (Hoefler Oil Co.) /Gilchrist Oil Co. as a master furnace and gas technician.
He was a member of the Phillips Fire Department, serving as chief, town warden and lieutenant. He was a 50-year member and past master of Mount Blue Masonic Lodge 67 AF & AM, member of the Men’s Club, and Maine Oil Dealers Association.
Frank loved the outdoors: he enjoyed lining bees, horseshoe tournaments, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, trapping, gardening, bird watching, and working his tractors. He enjoyed sports, playing ice hockey with his boys in his early years, coaching for Phillips Little League and watching high school basketball playoffs. He also loved spending time at his camp on Mt. Blue with his Jeep and his granddaughter Cheyenne, playing cribbage and watching hockey, boxing, westerns, and Northwoods Law.
Frank will be remembered for his sense of humor and tell-tale jokes, of which he had many; his superior gardening, and as “the gas man.” Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a story and a smile.
He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Savage of Avon; his sons: Anthony Savage of Phillips, Thomas Savage and fiance Regina Voter of Farmington, Jerald Flagg and wife Dixie of Avon, James Flagg of Avon; granddaughter and the love of his life, Cheyenne Flagg (his little shadow) of Avon; granddaughter, Meghan Crocket and husband Will of New Vineyard; grandson, William Parker of Farmington; two great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; his brother, Richard Savage and wife Phyllis of Phillips; his sisters: Julia (Jan)White of Scarborough, Eloise Stevens of Strong, Geraldine Smith and husband Lewis Jr. of Farmington, Birdena Rowe of Avon, Pat Martin of Lincoln, Virginia White and husband Lawrence of Avon; two sisters-in-law, Beverly and Rae Savage, both of Jay.
He was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin and Pearl Savage; his brothers, Benjamin Savage Jr., Reginald Savage and Donald Savage; his grandson, Sgt. Richard Parker.
The family would like to thank NorthStar Ambulance Service and Conley Gould.
Donations in Frank’s memory may be made to the North Franklin Sportsman Club, c/o Dan Worcester, 29 Blake Hill, Phillips, ME 04966 or to the North Woods Mud Run, c/o Cecil Phillips, 421 Avon Valley Road, Avon, ME 04966.
Funeral Services with a Masonic Service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Phillips Congregational Church, 4 Sawyer St., Phillips with Rev. Robert Edgarton officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Avon Town Hall, 1116 Rangeley Rd., Avon.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.
Though I only remember frank when I was little I have never forgotten him or his wife dot.. they always spoke to you know matter who you were… its devestating what has happen.. take care of yourself dot thoughts and prayers are with you.. frank is up there with all the other well missed people catching up on the good times..
Rest in peace, Frank. You will be missed by the many friends you left behind. But I have a feeling that you and Donald and Basil and Earl are tossing those horseshoes again just like old times,
Condolences to Dot and family.
Dot & Family,
Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Frank. Your sense of humor, funny jokes and ability to put a smile on everybody’s face will be missed. My love and prayers to your family. ~Linda Targett Barton
Thank you Frank for having been a fantastic neighbor, you were always willing to help, maybe you and John are sitting and swapping your jokes as you use to do. I will miss your fun and crazy comments.. Not sure what I will do without you across the street to call when I need help with my furnace. You were always willing to come right over.. If we all are going to miss you, I can not even imagine how so very much more Dot will miss you… I will keep you in prayer Dot, I am always here when you need me, that would be a switch, you are always helping me, but together we can get things done… My condolences to you and the family
My dad was a Great man…he knew a lot of people in town and out….he made house calls in the middle of the night or when he got called and pulled a lot of oil hose and bottled gas in knee high snow…. he always made sure the people stayed warm…DAD u will always be “MY GAS MAN” …. I LOVE U DAD…….!
May the wind always be at your back
The sun always upon your face
And the wings of destiny carry u aloft to dance with the stars
To Tom, Tony, Dot, and Family,
I don’t think I ever saw Frank when he didn’t have a smile on his face, great man! I remember those gas deliveries, and coming to the sports events. If you didn’t know Frank, you weren’t from Phillips, he was a unique experience everyone should have had. It made life just a little happier, and brighter.
My mom told me Sunday and we were all shook by it, it has been a tough year for the Savage family. Frank had already lost two brothers.
Two days later, I lost my dad. I’m with you on this one, but rest assured they are all in good company. I figured Frank was at the pearly gates waiting to go in when my father came along. Frank said to dad “They are discussing it right now, talking about sending us downstairs…” and I bet he was joking. Those two never hurt no one, served a lot of people and took care of all the emergencies. They are in a good place. God bless.
Frank lifted the spirits of many. You could always count on Frank to make you smile and feel better. How many of us can say that? A true talent he had and a gift from God who will be missed by many. Hugs and condolences to the entire family. Time will ease the shock and pain of his loss but nothing can take away those good memories that are embedded in our hearts at the mention of his name. RIP FSS!!!
Tony…. So sorry for your loss