Mr. Tom Savage, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 5, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on July 2, 1936, in Newark, N.J., grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and in Onancock, and finally settled in Hampton.
After receiving his Land Surveyor Class B License, he founded Thomas J. Savage Jr. – Surveyor and Land Planner and provided professional design services throughout the peninsula until his retirement in 2019. Tom was a sought-after surveyor for both residential and commercial development and was extremely knowledgeable regarding land transactions throughout Hampton, Poquoson, and Newport News.
Tom was a community leader and served the City of Hampton for more than 30 years in leadership roles on both the planning commission and the board of zoning appeals.
He was a trustee of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, served on the vestry for many years, and later attended St. John’s Episcopal Church. Tom was a past member of the Virginia Association of Surveyors and had been active in the Hampton Exchange Club and the Aqua Cat Club.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Price-Savage; his children, T.J. Savage (Maureen), Rebecca Savage Francese (Joseph), and Melissa Savage; his grandchildren, Margaret, Zachary (Sarah Grace), Jennifer, Gabriella, Isabella (Joseph Santos), and Luciano; his great-grandchildren, Silas and Iris; and his bonus children, Douglas Price, David Price (Pam), and Donald Price (Debbie).
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Joan “Jo” Cherrix Savage; his sister, Joan Harlow; and his parents, Thomas “Doc” Savage Sr. and Sofia Frances Savage (née Casarico).
Tom will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of travel, tanning by the pool, jigsaw puzzles, cards, and Freecell — but mostly for his integrity and the lasting impact he made on his family, friends, community, and profession.
Visitation was held on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666. A private inurnment was held in December 2025 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Hampton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, hrfoodbank.org
