Obituaries

Ronald (Ron) William Savage, 78

December 03, 2022

On December 3, 2022, Judge Ronald (Ron) William Savage 78, died peacefully of natural causes at Evergreen Estates Retirement Community in Lancaster, PA. Ron was the loving husband of the late Judith Anne (Sherts) Savage and the son of the late William J. and Pauline (Rodgers) Savage.

Ron graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1962 and immediately joined the US Navy, where he served as a radio operator. Upon returning home, Ron studied Political Science and Government at Franklin and Marshall College. As a college student, he was given the opportunity to intern for a local police department. Lured by a sense of adventure and comradery, Ron left school and quickly joined the ranks of the East Lampeter Police Department, where he would complete a remarkable career as an officer and detective sergeant. In 1979, Ron was ambushed with gunfire while being called to an armed bank robbery. Surviving with minor wounds, Ron remains to be the only officer in East Lampeter Township Police Department history to be hit by gunfire during the line of duty.

Throughout his career, Ron received several awards, accolades and citations. Most notably, in 1983, Ron was nominated for the International Chiefs of Police Award for Police Officer of the Year. Because of this honor, Ron received letters of recognition from William H. Webster then Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dick Thornburg then governor of PA, and various members of the US Congress.

In 1989, Ron attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Upon returning to Lancaster, he volunteered to take part in the newly piloted Lancaster County Drug Task Force. After nearly 20 years of service, Ron finished his police career as a Sergeant Detective. In 1993, Ron was elected to the position of Magisterial District Judge for East Lampeter/ Upper Leacock Townships, where he served for 12 years until his retirement in 2006. Throughout his tenure as a Magisterial District Judge, Judge Savage was known for being ethical, tough and fair.

A natural storyteller, Ron will be best remembered for his dry sense of humor and quick wit. In his free time, Ron enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, following current events, collecting antiques, learning about history, going to casinos and spending time with family and friends.

Ron is survived by his children Amy Murdoch (Christopher) of Lancaster, PA and J. William Savage, Esq. (Jessica) of Syracuse, NY; Grandchildren Scarlet and Charlie Murdoch of Lancaster, PA and Colin and Johan Savage of Syracuse, NY; Sister Jean Jent (Albert) of West Palm Beach; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. Family and friends will be received from 10AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. Family and friends will also be received on Friday, January 6, 2023 at the funeral home from 6PM-8PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Humane Pennsylvania Lancaster Center for Animal Life – Saving (formerly the Humane League of Lancaster) 2195 Lincoln Highway E. Lancaster, PA 17602.

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Condolences to the Family

January 13, 2023

Dear Friends and Family,
I had the opportunity to practice before Magisterial District Judge Savage on many occasions as an assistant district attorney. We affectionally referred to him as just “DJ Savage.”  I was assigned to his office every other month to handle “block” which was just a block of time set aside for the DA’s office to handle preliminary hearings before DJ Savage.  On every occassion, he was friendly and kind and ready with a story.  I truly enjoyed working with him.  I wanted to write to express my condolences and honor a good man.
Sincerely,
Judge Jeffrey A. Conrad
Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas

December 25, 2022

I remember Ron’s love for animals when he was on the Board of Directors for the Humane League of Lancaster County.  He was an asset to our organization bringing knowledgeable opinions to the Board.  I was the Executive Director for the Humane League and often consulted with him on police matters pertaining to animal abuse.  May he always be rememberd for his passion to protect our domestic pets.

December 24, 2022

Savage Family,Our deepest sympathies on the passing of your Dad, Ron. Our Dad was best friends with him and had many good times together. Dad always referred to your Dad as Slick! (Poker playing comes to mind). May both your parents be resting in peace. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with your family!
The Walter Goeke Family

December 17, 2022

Amy… I can’t imagine that which you & yours are experiencing.  I’m sure there is comfort in knowing your Dad is no longer in any pain & that he is reunited with your mom.  Please know I am thinking of you.
Renee (Enck) Bougher
Pittsburgh, PA.

Visitation
Friday, January 06, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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Visitation
Saturday, January 07, 2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

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Services
Saturday, January 07, 2023
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
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