Paul O. Savoie, 62, died June 4, 2011, in Pinellas Park after a short battle with cancer. He was born in Montpelier, Vermont, on June 29, 1948, the son of Leon J. and Marion (Persons) Savoie. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1966 and then entered the Air Force. Always talented with his hands, Paul became a jet engine mechanic, serving until 1970 both in the States and in Thailand.

From 1977 until 2003 he was married to Judy Piper Neil and lived in Vermont in the Barre/Montpelier area and on Lake Eligo in Craftsbury. In his early career years in Vermont, Paul was a pin setter at the Twin City Lanes Bowling Alley and then worked at Malden Mills and Sprague Electric in Barre. His career path finally took him to the U. S. Post Office in Montpelier where he retired after 30+ years of service. He was a member of the American Legion, and belonged to the Largo, Unit 0119. On February 15, 2006, he married Betty Martineau in Pinellas Park. Betty was his love and his rock for the last seven years of his life. Paul said his one job after retirement was to make Betty smile everyday; he was very successful at his job!

Paul believed that every day was a “gift”, and that we must take time to “unwrap” it. God’s beautiful world was deeply appreciated by Paul who especially loved sunrises, sunsets, the ocean, and his beloved Lake Eligo in Vermont. He spent many happy hours there fishing, boating, and enjoying the woods. Paul learned to play accordion at a very young age and enjoyed the instrument all of his life. Always fiddling with something, he had a knack with small engines, electronics, and wood working. He truly took pleasure in solving a challenging problem. The History Channel and reading books satisfied his unending quest for knowledge.

He was predeceased by his mother, Marion Persons Savoie, whom he missed dearly, his father, Leon J. Savoie, stepson Jay Cochran and his step daughter’s fiancé, Alex Matway. He is survived by his wife, Betty (Martineau) Savoie; brothers David Savoie and wife Wendy, of Richmond, Vermont; Wayne Savoie and wife Sandy, of Round Rock, Texas; and a sister, Patti Roberts and husband Steve, of Leander, Texas; stepchildren Cindy Harris of Pinellas Park, Florida, and Scott Neil of Ogden, Utah; step grandchildren Brandi Frattallone, and Nancy Harris; and one step great grandson Dylan Keech (who fondly called him “Papa Paul”). Paul also leaves five nieces: Keely Savoie, Kerri Riddle, Kristin Molina, Katrina King, and Michelle Savoie, two nephews Kipp and Glenn Savoie, and several great nieces and nephews.

A private interment will be held at Bay Pines Veteran’s Cemetery in St. Petersburg. A celebration of his life through scripture, music, and memories will be held, Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 2:30 PM at the home of Jim and Helen Gates on Lake Eligo in Vermont; Reverend Albert Collins presiding. Following the celebration, there will be a short graveside interment service at 4:30 PM at Maplewood Cemetery in Barre, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation at 845 Third Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10022 or donate on line at https://www.lungcancerresearchfoundation.org/donate.php.

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