John “Jay” “J-Dawg” Savoy passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2023 from cardiac arrest at the age of 62. For most of his life, Jay was part of what made Taunton, and especially the Weir neighborhood, a place with a heart of its own.
He was a member of the Taunton High School football team, class of 1980. After high school he attended Bryant University, on a scholarship where he majored in accounting and continued playing football recreationally. In 1984, he became the first member of his family to earn a college degree. He returned home to Taunton, and along with his extensive family and many friends contributed making the Weir a vibrant and congenial community. He worked in a juice factory on Ingall Street and in construction for several years before joining the phone company. First NYNEX became Bell Atlantic, then eventually Verizon, and Jay supported customers as phone technology changed from handheld devices on cords to the internet-enabled pocket computers we use now. He retired from Verizon in 2016 after 21 years of service. Retirement did not entirely agree with him however, and he returned to work at International Game Technology (IGT).
Jay was gregarious and athletic. He passionately engaged in his community and excitedly cheered for every New England sports team. He also had a nerdy side. He eagerly adopted early computers, and he loved Star Wars and games that required strategy and mathematical thinking. Perhaps most of all, he enjoyed doing activities with others. He played recreational softball for many years, and joined dart teams, fishing clubs, and card games. It was impossible for Jay to leave his house without running into friends and family. He also enjoyed music and singing. You may have seen him singing Earth, Wind, and Fire covers with the Taunton-based music group The Villanaires between 2007 and 2013.
Although he lived in several of the surrounding towns in recent years, Jay was part of the soul of Taunton. He will be missed. He is survived by life partner Nicole Arnold, three step-children whom he regarded as his own, Colbey, Deanna, and Jordan "Jordi", his beloved dogs Bella and Tobie, siblings Robert Dias, Mark Savoy, and Gina Alegria (Savoy), and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He is predeceased by his mother Rita Savoy (Dias).
Donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association in his memory.
A celebration of life will be held at 5pm on October 8th at Five Bridges Inn at 152 Pine St, Rehoboth MA.
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