SIMSBURY, CT —Both the Simsbury and West Hartford communities are mourning the recent passing of a beloved teacher/coach, with a GoFundMe set up to create a scholarship fund in his honor.
Savino began his teaching career at King Philip Middle School in West Hartford in 1967 and later moved to Hall High School in 1980.
Over more than 35 years in education, he taught AP economics, world civilization and American government.
He also coached boys' and girls' soccer and softball at several area schools, including Hall High School, Glastonbury High School, Simsbury High School, Ethel Walker School, and Kingswood Oxford School.
He also coached his two daughters in softball.
Savino was born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1966 and a master’s degree in American history and economics in 1967 from Ball State University, where he played football and soccer.
Savino and his wife, Helen Sundstrom Savino, married in 1978 and moved to Simsbury in 1980.
Family members said he enjoyed working in his yard, making wood-stove fires, working out, watching war movies and caring for his dogs.
He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters Jessica and Victoria; son-in-law Leif Kauffman; granddaughters Cora and Eloise; Victoria’s boyfriend, Daniel Annis; his dog, Maximus; brother-in-law David Sundstrom; and several nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents, Eva and Dominick Savino, and his sisters, Joan and Marie.
Calling hours are scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, at Vincent Funeral Home in Canton. The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page created by daughter Victoria Savino is seeking donations to establish a permanent Legacy Endowment Scholarship Fund in Ronald Savino’s honor for students in Ball State University’s Teachers College.
"Ron Savino was a beloved teacher and coach, well-known throughout West Hartford and the surrounding areas for his impact on students in the classroom and athletes on the soccer and softball fields," the page states.
The fundraiser says $25,000 is needed to start the scholarship fund. If that minimum is not reached, donations will be split between Ball State University and the ASPCA in Savino’s name.
To donate to the GoFundMe page in Ronald Savino's honor, click on this link.
To read Ronald Savino's full obituary, click on this link.
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