Steve Savarese

In Loving Memory of Steve Savarese

(May 17, 1942 – March 10, 2026) • (Bethlehem, PA)

Steve Savarese, a devoted father, grandfather, veteran, and public servant, lived a life defined by love of country, generosity of spirit, and an easy warmth that put others at ease. Known for his kind nature, quick humor, and the sincere interest he took in everyone he met, Steve leaves behind a legacy of service—both in uniform and in the communities he called home.

Born at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Steve entered the world while his father—an enlisted Navy sailor—was deployed in the Pacific. Father and son would not meet for almost a year after Steve’s birth. After the war, his father went on to a career as a Veterans Affairs hospital administrator, and the family moved throughout the New York region. Steve spent his formative years in Northport, New York, and later completed high school in Fishkill, New York. After high school, he worked as a lifeguard at Coney Island beach and at the Astoria Park Pool. He attended Wagner College on Staten Island graduating in 1964, and completed graduate school at New York University in 1975, earning a Master of Urban Planning degree.

Steve served his country across multiple branches—Army, Navy Reserve, and Air Force Reserve—during the Vietnam War and the Desert Storm War. His pride in the United States was steady and visible in everyday life; for decades, his car carried a custom license plate that simply read: “LOVE USA.”

His commitment to service continued long after his active duty years. Steve volunteered with numerous veterans organizations, including the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the United War Veterans Council, offering his time and leadership to support those who had served.

Steve also gave generously to civic life. In Valley Stream, New York, he volunteered with the Civil Action Council—an effort instrumental in launching New York State’s STAR property tax rebate program. Later, he served on the Columbia County and Copake town planning boards, bringing practical judgment and a community-first mindset to local decision-making.

Professionally, Steve devoted more than 40 years to the federal government’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). He approached his work with dedication and steadiness, guided by a belief that public service matters and that strong communities are built through perseverance, fairness, and care for others.

Steve loved to travel and took pride in having visited all 50 states, along with many countries abroad. He also loved cars and the simple joy of driving—always ready to take the long way if it meant a better view or a good story along the route.

Steve was married for 16 years to Martha Grace. He is survived by his children, Anthony Savarese and Joanne Savarese Wixted; his grandchildren, Nathaniel and Eleanora Savarese, and Lucas and Myles Wixted; and his sister, Andrea Savarese of Boca Raton, Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Gladys Savarese of Lighthouse Point, Florida, and his brother, Dr. Todd Savarese of Northborough, Massachusetts.

Above all, Steve will be remembered for the way he showed up for people—with kindness, good humor, and an open heart. His life is a reminder that patriotism can be lived quietly through daily integrity, and that a single person’s steady generosity can strengthen a family, a neighborhood, and a nation. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Disabled American Veterans: https://www.ihelpveterans.org/ or the United War Veterans Council: https://www.uwvc.org/donate