LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Justice John Savago upon the occasion
of his retirement after 32 years of dedicated service to the Town of
Gardiner, New York

WHEREAS, The quality and character of life in this Nation, and the great
State of New York, is reflective of the purposeful lives and good works
of those patriotic and civic-minded community members who dedicate their
lives and careers to the service of others; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Justice John Savago upon the occasion of his retirement after 32 years
of dedicated service to the Town of Gardiner, New York; and
WHEREAS, John Savago, the son of Charlie and Mary Savago, was born in
Dobbs Ferry, New York; his family moved to New Paltz, and he graduated
from New Paltz High School in 1963; one year later, he married his high
school sweetheart, Jean Savago; and
WHEREAS, John Savago joined the New Paltz Police Force, where he
served for 10 years, before beginning a new career with the United
Parcel Service; and
WHEREAS, In 1974, John Savago and his wife moved to Gardiner, New
York; in 1982, he ran for Town Justice and won the first of many
elections, spanning the terms of eight Gardiner town Supervisors; and
WHEREAS, This veteran Justice, who never practiced law prior to taking
the bench, took a crash course at Albany Law School when he was elected
as Gardiner Town Judge; and
WHEREAS, Judge John Savago has treated defendants with compassion and
dignity while at the same time remained firm; he is respected by both
lawyers and defendants for his courteous, gracious demeanor when they
came before him; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his long judicial career, John Savago has had the
pleasure of performing many wedding ceremonies; he once married two rock
climbers, taking the long way around to wait at the top of the pitch
while their bridal party made a vertical ascent wearing climbing gear;
Judge John Savago has also traveled abroad to perform weddings including
a castle near the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, and another on the island
of St. Croix; and
WHEREAS, During his retirement, John Savago continues to nurture his
lifelong passion of collecting vintage automobiles; his pride and joy is
a 1955 Pontiac Starchief that has won numerous trophies over the years,
including First Place in an all-Pontiac show in Rhode Island; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Jean, and their three
children, Kenny, Joni, and Traci, as well as five grandchildren, all of
whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Judge John Savago, in every capacity in which he served, has
left his permanent mark on the criminal justice community, and will
forever be remembered as a determined, innovative, and genuinely
concerned expert in his field; and
WHEREAS, A singular asset to all of the citizens he has served in the
community of the State of New York, Judge John Savago's life and career
are a portrait of preeminence in public service, and present a role
model for all who aspire to a career in public service; and
WHEREAS, From time to time, this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Justice John Savago upon the occasion of his retirement after 32
years of dedicated service to the Town of Gardiner, New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John Savago, Gardiner Town Judge.