Arthur "Artie" Savittieri, 79, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

Arthur was born on April 16, 1947, in Newark, NJ, to the late Gene and Rose Savittieri. Raised in South Orange, NJ, he graduated from Columbia High School in 1966. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving overseas on board an ammunition ship stationed four miles off the coast of the Philippines.

An honor he held exceptionally close to his heart was receiving a humanitarian plaque for his outstanding assistance following the disastrous Manila earthquake on August 2, 1968. When the Philippine government requested military assistance, Arthur bravely rose to the hazardous challenge. He joined the rescue mission at the Ruby Towers, a collapsed six-story apartment complex, putting the safety of approximately one thousand local citizens ahead of his own. This altruistic act of courage and helping others in need was a common thread throughout his entire life.

Arthur was proud of his naval service and cherished the memories he made with his shipmates during R&R. He loved to share stories of his excursions and nightlife in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines- adventures that sounded straight out of a movie. His deep connection to the Vietnamese and Filipino people was nostalgically displayed through various momentos; the Vietnam flag on his Mini Cooper, pins on his baseball caps, and the American and the Philippine flags mounted next to his television. Lastly, but most prominently placed on his calf, was a shellback turtle tattoo, marking one of the most respected rites of passage a sailor can earn. More than a design, the shellback was a record of survival- evidence that a sailor had gone beyond the familiar and earned their place among those who had truly been tested by the sea.

Driven by serving others, whether in military service or working behind the deli counter, Artie possessed a rare warmth. He had an open heart and an approachable spirit, effortlessly turning casual encounters with strangers into lasting friendships. He will always be remembered for his warm smile, spontaneous conversations, and deep devotion to human connection. He left a lasting impact on his childhood friends from South Orange and Maplewood, the loyal patrons of beloved Centre Deli in East Hanover, the close community friends and food-store patrons of Madison, his Lewes, DE friends, his Rehoboth Beach, DE coffee buddies, and the Rose Garden family he had in Toms River.

Arthur was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years, Jean Susan Wolfe.

He was a loving father to his devoted daughters, April Avallone and her husband Chris of Normandy Shores, NJ, and Suzanne Dougherty and her husband Peter of Florham Park, NJ. He was the cherished "Poppy" to Caroline, CJ, and Jordan Avallone, and Mackenzie, Peter, and Khloe Dougherty. He is also survived by his dear siblings, Jean Rospond and her husband Richard of Doylestown, PA, and John Savittieri of Maplewood, NJ, as well as many dear friends. Artie was a friendly man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

At Arthur's request, no formal services will be held. A private gathering to honor his life will take place at a later date. Committal services will be held at the beautiful Brigadier William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.