Final Salute

Raymond E. Savage, Jr. died on February 21, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio. The cause of death was complications arising from exposure to Agent Orange and asbestos in the Vietnam era while serving in the United States Navy. He was 81.
Ray led a full and rewarding life. He attended college at Oregon State, with a degree in Construction Management. He then enlisted in the Navy, serving four years of active duty on the USS Hancock aircraft carrier, where he made lifelong friends. After returning from Vietnam, he settled in California and then Oregon. He worked for ten years in construction in Alaska while also serving in the Naval Reserve for twelve years as a Seabee.
He returned to the lower 48, settling in Cincinnati with his family and continuing in construction. He then worked at the University of Cincinnati Hospital Pharmacy. Ray was a devoted supporter of youth athletics and spent many years “running the chains” at high school football games, umpiring baseball games, and refereeing volleyball games. Ray lent his expertise and energy on and off the field, always with enthusiasm and compassion for students. He loved sports and helping kids excel.
In more recent years, working part-time for Uber, Ray was known as a driver who welcomed strangers into his car and bid them farewell as friends. He never said no to helping family, friends, neighbors, or friends of friends.
Ray and his wife, Debra, enjoyed road trips they called “Ray and Deb’s excellent adventures.” They eschewed expressways, exploring off-the-grid locales and small towns. Ray followed Debra on business trips, discovering special places ranging from Toledo, Ohio to San Francisco, California to Cardiff, Wales. Debra and Ray were a team, best friends, and true soulmates to the end; they were the love of each other’s lives.
Ray was born on February 25, 1943, the son of Raymond Sr. and Marie Savage in Bakersfield, California. He grew up in Montana, Idaho, and Colorado. His early years laid the basis for a love of travel, adventure, and exploration of places, people, and cultures that helped to define his personality. Ray believed he never met a stranger. His family and friends recall that he left a lasting impression on everyone he met, including toward the end while struggling with significant health problems.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Conor Savage. Ray is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Debra Savage, daughters Megan Anderson (Tony) and Erin Savage-Weaver (Scott), daughter-in-law Alison Savage (Jeff Schneider), stepson Jeff Rogers (Josselyn), stepdaughters Ellen Glasgow (Andrew), Andrea Howe (Bill), and Marisa Van Vranken (Ben). Ray had 14 grandchildren: Gaige DeWeese; Jack Weaver; Elizabeth, Jackson, Ray and Annie Savage; Grace and Brooks Glasgow; Leo, Hadley and Bode Howe; and Providence, Barrett, and Maeleigh Van Vranken. He also leaves loving brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ben and Mary Ann Rafoth and mother-in-law Betty Kunkemoeller, to whom he was devoted. Ray will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Community United Methodist Church, 8221 Miami, Cincinnati Oh 45243, March 3, 2025 at 11:00, with reception following.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Vietnam Veterans of America or Disabled American Veterans.
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