Albany
Remembering Robert Savard: A Life of Service and Passion in Manchester and Beyond
Bob’s battle with glioblastoma ended on July 10, 2026. Robert Francis Savard, Jr. was born on October 16, 1949, in Albany, NY, to Robert F. Savard, Sr. and Helen Buckley Savard. Raised primarily in Wethersfield, CT, Bob graduated from Wethersfield…
Key points
- Robert Savard passed away on July 10, 2026, after battling glioblastoma.
- He was a dedicated philanthropist and served the community through various organizations, including the YMCA and St. Anselm College.
- A funeral mass will be held at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, on July 24, 2026.
Robert Francis Savard, Jr., known to many simply as Bob, passed away on July 10, 2026, after bravely battling glioblastoma. His life began on October 16, 1949, in Albany, New York, and he spent much of his youth in Wethersfield, Connecticut.
Bob graduated from Wethersfield High School and went on to earn a degree in history from St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 1971. He started his career at Aetna Life Insurance Company in Hartford, Connecticut, where he eventually transitioned to a successful career as an executive search consultant, founding the Desmond Group, LLC, in 2005 before retiring in 2018.
A Passion for Golf
Bob was an avid golfer and a proud member of Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida, as well as the Manchester Country Club in Manchester, Vermont. He achieved several club championships and state titles, including the 2020 Vermont Senior Legends Amateur Championship. His deep appreciation for golf extended to its architecture, with a remarkable memory of every course he had played.
Commitment to Community and Education
Bob was deeply committed to community service, donating his time, talent, and resources to various organizations. He served on the Boards of YMCAs in Hartford and Citrus County, Florida, helping to raise significant funds to support their missions. His philanthropic spirit extended to St. Anselm College, where he contributed to the construction of the Welcome Center named in his honor, along with scholarships and programs that benefited students.
Diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2023, Bob turned his focus towards helping others facing similar challenges. He inspired many with his positive outlook, often quoting Jim Valvano’s famous speech about the importance of laughter, deep thought, emotional expression, physical activity, and love. He wore a bracelet that read “never, ever give up,” embodying his fighting spirit until the very end.
Survived by Family and Friends
Bob is survived by his wife, Susan, whom he married on December 24, 2011, along with his stepsons Kyle and Collin Dailey and their families. He also leaves behind his sister, Janet Lewis, and several nieces and relatives.
A funeral mass will take place at the Abbey Church at St. Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire, on July 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM. A memorial mass will also be held at St. Scholastica Catholic Church in Lecanto, Florida, this fall, followed by a celebration of his life at Black Diamond Ranch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Robert F. Savard Memorial Endowed Scholarship at St. Anselm College or to the YMCA of the Suncoast Citrus Branch.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Brewster & Shea Funeral & Cremation Service – Manchester originally published by Shea Family Funeral Homes (Bennington, VT). Read the original story.
