February 11, 1971 ~ February 5, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David V. Savio, aged 53, beloved husband, devoted father, public servant, and lifelong Reading resident. Dave passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife, Michelle (King) Savio, and their cherished children, Robbie, Katie, and Charlie, his loyal dog, Harley, along with a host of extended family and dear friends.
Born and raised in Reading, Dave was the loving son of Lucille (Lombardo) Savio and the late Robert Savio. A proud graduate of Reading Memorial High School (class of 1989), he pursued higher education at Salem State College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. It was not long after joining the Reading Police Department that he met the love of his life, Michelle. They first met when Dave pulled her over for speeding while she was commuting between Wakefield and Merrimack College. The couple married in 2004, settling in Reading to raise their family.
Dave dedicated 26 years of his life to the Reading Police Department, where he served with distinction and unwavering commitment. Throughout his career—as a Patrolman, Safety Officer and Field Training Officer—Dave exemplified the highest standards of the profession. His selfless service and dedication were recognized through more than 50 letters of appreciation from grateful community members, and he was honored with numerous awards and accolades, including Officer of the Year by MADD Greater Boston and the AAA Gold Award for developing a comprehensive community traffic safety plan. Dave’s legacy of integrity and community service has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Beyond his professional life, Dave had a passion for living life to the fullest and enjoyed his daily routines. He had an infectious sense of humor and a boisterous laugh that could brighten any room. Ever the enthusiast, Dave cherished his collection of over 30+ vehicles over the years—cars, trucks, and motorcycles—that he meticulously maintained and customized with dark window tint, loud exhausts, chrome accents, and other distinctive accessories. As a proud member of the Road Dawgs Motorcycle Club for active and retired law enforcement, he found camaraderie with those who shared his love for serving the community and the open road. Whether enjoying a steak dinner with friends, a night out at the casino, or a simple visit to McDonald’s for an ice-cold Diet Coke, Dave embraced every moment.
Dave’s greatest joy was his family. He was an actively involved father—always seen driving his children to and from school, cheering them on at every event, and offering unwavering support at their sporting activities. Prior to having children, Dave and Michelle created countless memories on trips to destinations such as Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Memphis, Sturgis SD Motorcycle Rally, Yellowstone Park, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They also relished family trips to Disney and annual outings to North Conway, NH, cruising down the scenic Kancamagus Highway, and enjoying local favorites like Dave’s Bagel Shop and Polly’s Pancakes.
In addition to his immediate family, Dave is fondly remembered by his extended family, including his brother Stephen Savio and his wife, Laura (Coger) of Andover; his niece and nephew, Julia and Jack Savio of Andover; his mother-in-law Carolyn (King) Muse, sister-in-laws Christine (King) McKinney, and Marci (Muse) Silvano and her husband David of Wakefield; as well as loving godparents and aunt and uncle Patricia and Richard Lombardo of Methuen; cousins Stacy (Lombardo) Korn and her husband Doug of Nashville, Tenn. and Mark Lombardo of Windham, NH, among other extended family and brothers and sisters in blue.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Dave’s life will be held at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading, on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Friends and family are kindly asked to proceed directly to the church.
Burial will follow at Charles Lawn Memorial Park in Reading.
Family and friends are cordially invited to visiting hours on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park St., North Reading (corner of Park St. and Rt. 28 at the Reading Line).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dave’s memory to the David Savio Law Enforcement Scholarship Fund or The Savio Family Legacy Fund at David Savio Legacy Donations
David Savio lived his life with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to those he loved. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Rest in peace, David
