Dr. John S. Savage

Dr. John S. Savage “Tim”, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2022 with his beloved wife, Joyce C. Savage, by his side. Tim spent his entire life in the service of God and serving others. He was a United Methodist Minister and founder of L.E.A.D (Leadership, Education and Development) Consultants, a consulting group dedicated to improving the health and vitality of churches, non-profits, and business organizations. He traveled the world teaching listening skills and thoroughly enjoyed speaking to large assemblies, training in small workshops, or simply ministering to complete strangers by listening to their stories. Tim’s impact on the churches and organizations he assisted, and individuals he influenced, is profound. He was very proud of the three books he authored: The Apathetic and Bored Church Member, Listening and Caring Skills, and Your Spiritual IQ, as well as the many calling and caring workshops he developed.

Tim is deeply loved and will be missed by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents Newton and Edna Savage and his six siblings: Leonard, Kline, Harold, Marjory, Mary and Doris.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Savage, as well as his children, Steven Savage and wife Virginia, Scott Savage and wife Wendy, Sandra DellaVilla and husband Matthew; stepson, Nicholas Nelson and wife Cindy, and stepson, Craig Nelson and wife Lori. Tim was very proud of and deeply loved his grandchildren, Shauna Vogt, Matthew DellaVilla, Andrew DellaVilla, Theodore DellaVilla, Nicholas Savage, Kristen Petchauer, Kathryn Petchauer, Jason Jordan, Andrea Nelson, Gabriella Nelson, Ian Nelson, Melissa Sargent, and Aaron McClellan. He was also blessed with 7 great grandchildren. He had many nieces and nephews who all loved Uncle Tim very much.

Tim was a passionate lifelong learner. He graduated from Spring City High School, Spring City, PA in 1948. He enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1951-1953 serving as a chaplain’s assistant. Following his military service, he attained a B.A. in Music, a M.A. in Education from Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY and a Master of Divinity from Colgate Divinity School, Rochester, NY. In the early years of his ministry, he ministered in Apulia Station, NY, Onativia NY, Benton Center NY, and Yatesville NY. He was minister of education at First United Methodist Church, Geneva, NY and Asbury First United Methodist Church, Rochester, NY. He went on to be senior minister at Christ View United Methodist Church, Henrietta, NY. After many years at Christ View, Tim was called to a new ministry and he obtained a Doctorate of Ministry from Colgate Divinity School. It was then he started L.E.A.D Consultants. In his youth, when Tim was 14, he started to fly and it continued to be a passion throughout his life. He achieved his instrument rating and had a private plane for a number of years. Tim always tried to stay up to date with technology and loved his gadgets.

Tim was a proud member of the chancel choir of Gender Road Christian Church, Canal Winchester, OH where his voice and sweet loving spirit will always be heard. The John and Joyce Savage Memorial fund has been established at Gender Road Christian Church. Please visit genderroadcc.com to learn how to contribute.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for everyone who was a part of his extraordinary life.

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 29, 5-8PM at Gender Rd. Christian Church, 5336 Gender Rd. Canal Winchester, OH 43110. A funeral service will be held Friday, September 30, at 11:30am with a visitation prior 10-11:30am, a luncheon to follow immediately after the service.

Arrangements made with DWAYNE R SPENCE FUNERAL HOME, CANAL WINCHESTER, OH.