Obituary for
Joseph R. Savko Sr. aka Pittsburgh Joe or Pitts
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph R. Savko Sr. known to many of his friends as Pittsburgh Joe or Pitts for short. The Lord took Joe home on December 27, 2014.

Joe was born in Pittsburgh on June 27, 1936. After graduating Alderdice High School, he enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean War. After returning from the war, he began his career as a union carpenter working on the US Steel building, Civic Arena and Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh.

In 1971, Joe headed west to California. Pitts treasured the time he spent in California working in the motion picture industry and told many stories. He worked with many celebrities over the years which he has a vast collection of memorabilia. Two of his favorite celebrities were George Clooney and Mark Harmon. Pitts also made many good friends but one friend in particular stands out, Joe Kroesser who was like a friend and a brother to Pitts. Joe Kroesser and his wife Judy came to visit Pitts a few times here in Pittsburgh and he cherished those visits from his good friends. Pitts and Joe even had a contest every year on who would send out their Christmas card first every year.
In 1998, Pitts retired from the motion picture industry and arrived back in Pittsburgh to spend his retirement years with his family. Pitts was an avid sports fan and followed the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates and you knew never to call on the telephone when a game was on.

Joe is survived by his brother Don and his wife Marie in Hagerstown, MD., son Joe Jr and wife Darla and a grandson Jacob. Jacob was the pride of Pitt’s retirement and gave Pitts his newest nickname of Pappy. Joe also leaves a daughter Sharon whom he was very close with and cherished. He also leaves a daughter Linda Rose and granddaughter Samantha in South Carolina.

Pitts gave us his love unconditionally and there will always be an empty place in our hearts with his passing. We miss him dearly and always will. His memory lives with us forever.

The Savko Family
Joe, Darla, Jacob, Sharon and Linda