Alberico (Albert/Butch) Savastano

December 4, 1935 - November 4, 2017

Alberico (Albert/Butch) Savastano, 81, passed away on November 4, 2017 at the Holy Family Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Al, the youngest of the late Alberico and Assunta (DeLuca) Savastano’s 12 children, was born in Lawrence on December 4, 1935. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrence, where he attended public schools, graduating from Lawrence High in 1954. Al’s love for his country led him to enlist in January 1955, serving in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a C-124 flight line Crew Chief. Upon discharge he attended Bentley School of Business. In December of 1959, Al met Maureen, the love of his life, whom he married in September 1962; together they raised four children and were blessed with 16 grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. Al was happiest when spending time with his family. He coached his daughters’ softball teams, went tuna fishing with his son, and enjoyed countless days with his family at Seabrook Beach. He took pleasure in watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and dance events, and attending their school functions. Al was an exceptional cook who could prepare a meal for two or 40 at any given time, and loved cooking for his family, especially on holidays. The aroma of sauce, meatballs, veal cutlets, pizza, and fried dough was always present in his kitchen. Al’s famous pepper cookies were loved by all. Al and Maureen loved to travel. One of their favorite destinations was St. Martin, where they made lasting friendships and many wonderful memories. They enjoyed yearly road trips to Florida, and visiting the casinos at Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, and Atlantic City. Al always enjoyed a good game of cards—his favorites were 45s and poker. During his lifetime, Al had several careers, including one as a restaurateur. He owned two establishments: Florentina Luncheonette in Lawrence and, in partnership with his brother Guido, the Savastano Florentina at Salisbury Beach. Upon closing the restaurants, Al went to work for the City of Lawrence Water Department. During his tenure, he achieved several positions, eventually retiring as the Water Commissioner in 1996. Most importantly, Al’s outgoing personality, caring heart, and devotion to family and friends made him easy to love—and loved he was. Al will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Maureen (Driscoll) Savastano of Lawrence; children Maureen and husband George Abdallah of Methuen, Albert and wife Kelley (Bernard) of Lawrence, Lisa and husband Douglas Brady of Bradford, Patricia of Lawrence; grandchildren Nicholas, Jeffrey, Jared, Travis, Trevor, Philip, Paul, Felecia, Veronica, Albert, Michael, David, Elizabeth, Victoria, Justin, Jacob; great-grandchildren Dylan, Blake, Nathaniel, Jaxon, Jordyn, Juliette, Isabelle, Eli, Aubree; siblings Dante Savastano, Concetta (Connie) Cunha, both of Seabrook Beach, Olga Grossi of Methuen; sisters-in-law Sheila and husband Robert Grimes of Windsor, CT and Kathleen and husband Thomas Williams of North Andover; brother-in-law Kevin Driscoll of Seabrook Beach; and several generations of nieces and nephews. In addition to his beloved parents, Al was also predeceased by his wonderful parents-in-law Michael and Veronica (Holland) Driscoll; siblings Charles and his wife Emma (Diodati) Savastano, Harry and his wife Carmela (Casale) Savastano, America (Maggie) Savastano, Guido (Jack) and his wife Victoria (Franciose) Savastano, Roland (Ben) and his wife Lillian (Chateauneuf) Savastano, Edmund and his wife Orsola (Sasso) Savastano, Lucy and her husband Lucien Charette, Maria Angela Savastano; brothers-in-law Vasco Cunha, Philip Grossi, and Michael Driscoll, as well as several nieces and nephews. Al was a life member of Lawrence BPOE Lodge 65 Elks, the Arlington Social and Athletic Club, the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans in Lawrence, American Legion Post 122 Methuen, Sampson AFB Veterans Fellowship, and a past member of the Sons of Italy Lodge 902, the Union of Italy Grand Club, and the American Water Works Association. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, 43 Nagog Park, Acton, MA 01720 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611 Visitation for Al will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 3 – 8 PM at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Friends and family are cordially to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 11 AM at St. Monica’s Church, 212 Lawrence Street, Methuen. Entombment to follow at St Mary Immaculate Conception Cemetery and Mausoleum, 29 Barker Street, Lawrence. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home is proud to serve the Savastano family.