David Leon Savoie of Richmond, Vt., passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 5, 2023, after 80 years of a life well lived. Family and loved ones came from near and far to be with him in his final days. His beloved wife of 55 years, Wendy Webster Savoie, was with him when he passed.
David was born in 1943 in Montpelier, Vt., where he spent his early years. He was the son of Leon and Marion Savoie and oldest brother to Wayne, Paul and Patricia. He and Wendy Webster met in high school, fell in love and married in 1967. They soon had two children, raising them in Rhode Island before moving to New Hampshire and finally settling back in Vermont.
He found his first professional love in 1965, flying planes for the U.S. Air Force. He spent five years as an active-duty pilot, including one year in Vietnam, and continued to serve his country in the National Guard for another 20 years. He retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel, having earned numerous medals and awards throughout his service.
Not long after returning from Vietnam, David found his second professional passion in banking. He went on to become executive vice president, senior lender and chief credit officer for several regional New England banks.
After 30 years in the banking industry, he united his two passions and, with Wendy, founded his own business financing personal aircraft. US Aviation Finance is a successful enterprise to this day, and David poured his heart and soul into it until the very end.
He was equal parts witty, charming and exacting, expecting high standards in all aspects of life. He enjoyed a fine restaurant and a fine drink but was just as happy at home grilling on the barbecue or whipping up his famous fish stew for family and friends.
As a lifelong traveler, he enjoyed visiting many parts of the world, including Italy, New Zealand and especially Nepal, where the family joined him on several memorable treks. He was a lover of nature and frequently recalled his childhood in rural Vermont, hunting and fishing with friends. Even much later in life, he could often be found fishing off the rocks at his favorite summer destination in Small Point, Maine. In addition to their children, he and Wendy lavished their love on their animals, which included their deeply spoiled dogs, cats, horses, llamas and donkeys.
David was predeceased by both of his parents and his brothers, Wayne and Paul. He leaves behind his wife, Wendy; children Kipp (wife Gianna) and Keely (husband Andrew); grandson Jonas David; and sister Patricia Roberts.
A memorial gathering will be held at a date to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central Vermont Humane Society (centralvermonthumane.org/donate-now).
This article appears in May 17-23, 2023.
Wendy, Kipp, Keely, Gianna and to the whole Savoie family.
Although I have never spent a great deal of time with David and Wendy, this family has woven light filled memories that run through our own tapestry of life! Through so many years of conversations shared, through Gianna and Kipp of their travels, farm talk happenings in Vermont, all the animals, Wendy and David family vacations, visits to see Kipp and Gianna, and most importantly that love, that family bond!!! It is through all of this that we are joined to this beautiful family, and through this I am so grateful have known this very special and unique Soul.
So many blessings,
Karen Delmonico