Richard Savage III, 28, of Utica, died June 29, 2008 of a Gun Shot wound.  His death is still being investigated.

Anyone with information regarding Savage's death is asked to call the Utica Police Criminal Investigation Division at 223-3510. All calls will be kept confidential.

A Cornhill kid

As police continue to investigate Savage’s death, friends of the family recalled the fond memories they had of Savage growing up in Utica.

“It’s devastating,” said city Common Councilman Bill Phillips, a close family friend. “Rich is more like a son to me than he is anything.”

Savage grew up alongside Phillips’ own children, and he can still see Savage’s smiling face.

“Rich was one of those types of kids that would do whatever you told him to do,” Phillips recalled. “If he was less talented, he made up for it because he was such a likeable kid, and he still gave you everything he had.”

Phillips added, “If there’s such a thing as a Cornhill community kid, Rich was certainly that.”

Phillips also offered his sympathies to Savage’s parents – Richard and Michelle Savage – and other family members. Savage’s uncle, Walt Savage, is a community liaison for the Utica school district.

“I certainly wish the entire community will say a prayer for the family, because I know what it’s doing to them,” Phillips said. “This is all of ours worst nightmare, in terms of protecting our children. One of the tough things about parenting is that every time your kid leaves the door, you worry.”

(Taken from an article in the Utica Observer Dispatch)