William F. Savage

William F. Savage, 92, of Rutland died Wednesday June 6, 2012, at Haven Health Care in Rutland.

He was the beloved husband for over 65 years to Jean B. Savage.

William was a graduate of Rutland High School, Class of 1938.

Colonel Savage was a distinguished 34-year military veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, and the Vermont National Guard. Loving father to Ronald Savage, Richard Savage, Linda (Savage) Dukenshire, and Lisa (Savage) Skipwith. Devoted Grandfather to Jesse William Savage, David Savage, Sean Barrett, Nate Barrett, and Zachary McCormack, and devoted great-grandfather to seven. Colonel Savage was a longtime resident of Rutland, VT, and Englewood, FL.

Colonel Savage enlisted in Company A, 1st Battalion, 172nd Infantry in 1938. In World War II, he served under Major General Leonard F. Wing in the 43rd Infantry (Winged Victory) who wrote “Savage’s exemplary courage above and beyond the call of duty undoubtedly saved lives of men in his accord with the highest traditions of the United States Army… he is a brave and gallant soldier.” Colonel Savage was awarded the Silver Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Medal. Colonel Savage later served in the Vermont National Guard as a Platoon Leader, Battalion Commander, and retired as a Commandant of the Vermont Military Academy.

Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours Saturday, June 9, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home by the Rev. Justin Baker.

Contributions may be made to American Legion Post # 31, 33 Washington St., Rutland, VT 05701.