Andrew M. Savel

It is with great sadness that we pass along the news of the death of Andrew M. Savel on January 2, 2024. Cherished husband of 44 years to the late Sandra, beloved father of Jennifer (Gil Gugni) Savel and Whitney (Rich Syron) Connell, and loving companion of Susan Allan. Born on February 26, 1941, Andy was the eldest child of the late Andrew and Virginia Savel and brother to Ron (Vicki), Larry (Linda), Gary, and the late Barbara Hejl (Joe). He grew up in Hamtramck and was always proud of his Polish heritage - teaching his daughters to sing Bobby Vinton’s Melody of Love at early ages and knowing where to get the best prune pierogi. He graduated from DeLaSalle High School and the University of Detroit undergraduate and law schools. Andy also had his CPA license which he used with his law degree to specialize in trust tax starting his employment at Touche Ross. He then worked for Detroit Bank & Trust, Comerica Bank, National City and lastly PNC Bank heading up their trust tax departments. He also served as Chairman of the State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section. Through his work he met lifelong friends Tony Forcellini, Fred Duzzie and Chuck Gauer who, along with their wives, Gerry, Nancy and Julie, and Andy’s late wife, Sandi, would become the “dinner group” gathering bimonthly (in addition to traveling and family celebrations) for nearly 50 years. Andy and Sandi married on May 9, 1964 and created a wonderful family together including, in addition to their two daughters, three grandchildren, Andrew and Savannah Connell and Jackson Gugni, as well as three bonus grandchildren, Melissa (Jay Esopenko), Peter and Jeffrey Gugni, and a bonus great-grandson, Henry Esopenko. Andy is also survived by many incredible cousins, nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Nancy and Joe Grewe. His goddaughters Kathie Hejl, Melissa Muran, Tara Grewe and Amanda Ocariz held a special place in his heart. After Sandi’s passing, Andy was blessed to find love again with Susan Allan, with whom he shared his passion for travel and gardening. Together they traveled to Africa, Europe, Arizona, the Carolinas, Florida and Andy’s beloved Cancun. In fact, Andy passed as he would have wished…on vacation in Arizona with Susan, quickly, and most importantly, not in a hospital. Andy was a member of St. Anne’s parish in Ortonville and loved to sing in their choir. He also previously sang with barber shop quartets and the Jackson Chorale. Andy lived his life to the fullest, enjoying both time with his beloved family and friends as well as time alone with a good book, crossword puzzle and his hand-held monopoly game. He never let a health setback keep him from traveling and discovering the joy and beauty the world’s gardens had to offer. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He will be celebrated at a memorial service, April 20th at 1:00pm. Visitation will take place prior to the service from 10:00am until the 1:00pm service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Andy’s name to the American Kidney Fund.

Andrew M. Savel

February 26, 1941 - January 2, 2024