Olive R. (Dascanio) Savino

Olive R. Savino, 100, Altoona, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at UPMC Altoona after a brief illness. She was born in Gallitzin, daughter of the late Camillo “Tony” and Marie (Gallagher) Dascanio. On Nov. 21, 1942 she married her dancing partner, Michael A. Savino and they were married for over 57 years. He preceded her in death on May 9, 2001.

She is survived by three children: Nancy (Larry) Sandlin, Daniel Savino, and Michael Savino Jr.; seven grandchildren: Jamie Stasky, Tina Eaton, Eddie Urbanek, D.J. Savino, Brian Savino, Ryan Savino and Chelsey Savino; eight great-grandchildren: Austin, Lindsey, Brody, Daisy, Laurel, Jack, Luca, and Ally Enriquez; a sister in law, Louise Savino; and many nieces and nephews.

Olive was preceded in death by a daughter, Diane Stasky; two grandchildren: Patty Ann Stasky and Daniel Savino Jr.; three brothers: Lawrence, Howard, and Lewis Dascanio; and two sisters: Vera Biel and Betty Gomes.

Olive worked at the Altoona Hospital and Tri-Tex Sportswear for many years. She also worked at Bishop Guilfoyle and enjoyed working at the Sons of Italy. Olive loved going to the dances with her husband and enjoyed the sounds of Big Band music at the famous Oriental and Sunset Ballrooms dancing to Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. Her favorite dance was the jitterbug and polka.

She loved taking bus trips with her granddaughters and special friend, Nancy Cassidy. She was very active with the Catholic Knights of St. George and served as the president for a period of time. She also was a member of the Horseshoe Seniors and Red Hat ladies and several card clubs. Jollie Ollie was the nickname given to her by the Special Olympic kids because she was very active and worked with them to enrich their lives. She was always laughing and loved coaching them.

Olive was an active member of Christian Mothers at St. Rose of Lima Parish and had a deep faith and appreciation for the priests and fellow parishioners.

She was a very skilled seamstress and loved making her children clothes for special occasions. She also enjoyed making Italian Christmas cookies with her friend, Annie Appolonie. She loved to decorate and Christmas was her favorite holiday. She decorated her tree every holiday and they were featured in the Altoona Mirror. Olive had a very special place in her heart for the Bishop Guilfoyle athletic program. She especially enjoyed attending the Lady Marauders girls basketball games.

In Olive’s later years, she had a special friend, Richard “Dick” Brehman, who she enjoyed spending time with and she always called him a true gentleman.

Friends will be received from 4-7 pm Friday, June 25, 2021 in the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at St. Rose of Lima Church with committal at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Olive’s name to St. Rose of Lima, 5514 Roselawn Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 or to the ARC of Blair County, 431 Jackson Ave, Altoona, PA 16602.

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