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Albany-Colonel Maurice “Moss” Michael Savage (Ret) – Dearly loved Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Brother, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Godfather, Cousin and friend to all. Aged 77 years, passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with dementia. Even in the height of his illness Maurice continued on the way in which he lived his life, always putting the needs of others above his own. Maurice was born on Strand Road in Tralee Co. Kerry Ireland on October 10, 1939. He was the son of the late Richard “Dick” Savage and Kathleen “Kitty” Foley Savage. On June 10, 1967, Moss married the loved of his life, Sheila Kenny Savage of Millbrook, Oldcastle Co. Meath Ireland and together they spent 48 years cherishing one another until Sheila predeceased Maurice in November 2015. He is the adored Dad of Sheila Savage Maguire, Kevin Savage (Kim) and grandchildren Kathleen Maguire, Matthew, and Elizabeth “Ellie” Savage. Moss is also survived by his brothers Richard, Michael and Brian Savage, and the brother in law of Kathleen, Michele and Marcia. Maurice was also predeceased by his older sister Mary, who passed away in Ireland. Extended Savage, Lawlor, Spicer, Foley and Griffin Families, many nieces, nephews, first cousins and many cousins from the O’Sullivan family in Tralee Co. Kerry Ireland. Moss was educated by the Christian Brothers in Ireland, until he came to the U.S.A. with his parents. He is a graduate of Our Lady of Angels and a proud member of the Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Class of 1959, Albany, New York. Maurice frequently and fondly remembered his classmates and days at CBA and his respect for and friendship with the late Brother Aloysius Myers. Moss is a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY (1962) and also holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, NY (1974). Maurice’s family are extremely proud of his military service to his adopted country, enlisting in the U.S. Army on October 20, 1959, serving 33 years and achieving the rank of Colonel. Military Accommodations include the Meritorious Service with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal (x2), the National Defense Medal, the Army Reserve Medal, the NYS Military Commendation Medal, The Long & Faithful Service Medal (x3), the Army Service Medal, the Overseas Service Medal (with Conspicuous Service), The NYS Aid to Civil Authority Medal, NG Res Achievement Medal, The Pathfinder Patch and the Cold War Victory Medal. Colonel Savage also had tours of duty in Laos and Panama and the Attica Prison riot of 1971. Maurice was a graduate of the Empire State Military Academy - Officer Candidate School (OCS), Camp Smith Peekskill, NY - August 13, 1965, the U.S. Army Signal School, Fort Gordon, Georgia - August 15, 1975 and The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas - July 9, 1984. In addition to his military career Moss’ places of employment include Schaffer Brewery, Albany New York, Facility Supervisor for the NYS Department of Mental Hygiene - OD Heck Developmental Center, and he finished his career with over twenty years of service to New York State as an environmental analyst for the Division of Military and Naval Affairs - HHD STARC Headquarters, retiring in 2001. Always the American patriot, Moss was also a steadfast and proud County Kerry man, supporting the love of his Irish culture and roots and passing that love down to his children and grandchildren. He was a great supporter of his Gaelic football club in Ireland - Kerins O’Rahillys and he was proud of his family’s personal connection and friendship with Strand Road legend and patriot Charlie Kerins. Moss loved Irish music, a very fine singer, like his mother before him, Moss could often be heard singing his favourites, Fiddlers Green, The Fields of Athenry, The Town I Loved So Well and White, Orange and Green. Known as a gentleman, there was never a time when Moss wouldn’t jump in to lend a helping hand to others. Moss was a very talented self taught plumber, electrician, carpenter, painter and car mechanic and he used these talents in being quick to assist and never asked for anything in return. Mossy’s hobbies included, Irish music, golf, scuba diving, BBQ’s, darts, boating & waterskiing and traveling, especially home to Ireland. Memberships and accomplishments: In 1959 Moss joined the Ancient Order of Hibernians Albany (AOH) Men’s Division #5 and this chartered the course for Moss’ years of tireless countless hours of volunteerism for the fraternal organizations that Moss held dear to his heart. Moss completed his Hibernian Major Degrees in 1976 with the Schenectady AOH Team. He is the Past President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Albany (1981 – 1986). In 1984, he chaired the National Hibernian Convention, bringing it to Albany for the very first time. In 1987, he was elected AOH Albany County President in 1989 he became the NYS Director of AOH District #1. Moss was the 1987 Hibernian of the Year and served as President of the Hibernian Hall Association for many years until 2001. Then, in 2003 the AOH awarded him with the prestigious Lifetime Membership Medal. In 1960 Moss became an active member of the Albany, New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and he received the great honor of serving as the 1999 Grand Marshall of the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Maurice also volunteered for the Albany Democratic Committee for many years. He is the Recipient of the 2005 Christian Brothers Academy Distinguished Alumni Award, Member of the North Albany American Legion Post #1610 and became the 1996 – 1997 #1610 Post Commander, Proud Member of the North Albany Limericks, Member of the Colonie Elks, Member of the Veteran’s Corps, 69th Regiment, Member of the Polish Club, Member of the Pipe & Drum Band Cumann Failte, in 1968 they became the very first Pipe Band from America to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Proud parent of CBA, proud Dad/Grandparent of The Academy of the Holy Names and proud Dad/Grandparent of the Michael Farrell School of Traditional Irish Step Dancing. From Kerry to Colonel, a truly remarkable man with a long and a lustrous career of service to his God, Country, family and friends, he was so loved and admired. Moss’ children and family would like to extend their gratitude to St. Pius X R.C. Church, the St. Pius X Pastoral Care Team, The Eddy Hawthorne Ridge, The Carmelite Sisters and the Teresian House Staff for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Christian Brothers Academy (CBA). Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Maurice’s family Sunday, June 11, 2017 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Monday, June 12, 2017 8:30 am from McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to St. Pius X Church, Loudonville at 9:30 am where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Interment with Military Honors will be held at 12:00 pm in Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. To leave a message for the family, light a candle, obtain directions or view other helpful services please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

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Col Maurice "Moss" Michael Savage Ret

October 10, 1939 - June 9, 2017

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Col Maurice "Moss" Michael Savage Ret

October 10, 1939 - June 9, 2017

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