Dorothy Marie Savino

Dorothy (Primavera) Savino of Bayport, NY passed away at home on December 11, 2024. 

Born the seventh of ten children and the youngest girl, Dottie was born to Dominick Primavera and Rachel Piccirelli. Proud of her Bronx and Italian heritage, she grew up on 147th Street in New York City. Even as a child from humble beginnings, she clung to her education and formed a strong work ethic. Little did she know her future husband lived only two streets away. As a teen, a group of neighborhood friends hung out at the local ice cream parlor and some formed a dance club. She was the best dancer of the girls and as the couples paired off, she partnered with the best dancer of the guys, Joseph Savino. She was a loving wife and dance partner to Joe until his death in 2017.

The couple started a family on Long Island where they raised their three boys, Joe, Mike and Dom. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for family, near and far, and everyone loved their Aunt Dot. They would come to her for advice or just to listen to her stories, especially the ones about chasing Frank Sinatra around Manhattan after seeing him perform at the Paramount Theater. 

Not only was Dot a mother to her three boys, but she also had a career. She worked at the Atomic Energy Commission, and then later enjoyed a long career with the Bayport-Blue Point school district until retiring as the Executive Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent.

She was Certified as a Professional Secretary (CPS) by Professional Secretaries International, received a member of the year award from the Suffolk County chapter of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, and was an officer in the Long Island Association of Educational Secretaries. During this time she achieved an Associates in Applied Science with Highest Honors from Suffolk County Community College. Her willingness to help others and her talent for problem solving distinguished her career and her personal life. She loved her travel adventures and maintained lifelong friendships both on Long Island and in her winter home of Sarasota, Florida. 

Dot’s three sons and their families were her pride and joy. Friday night pizza together was a special tradition that endured until the end. She had a close relationship with her daughters-in-law Bunnie and Dawn, and her extended family. Family gatherings were full of thoughtful gestures and love. Her six grandchildren Elizabeth, Jessi, Nikki, Erin, Lia and Russel were always spoiled as only a grandmother can. Her last words were for her family to celebrate Christmas together. 

She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, Dorothy's family would appreciate donations to the Sayville Cabinet for the Sick in her memory. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 595 Sayville, New York 11782.