Richard "Rick" C. Savitt

Richard Charles Savitt "Rick" was truly one of a kind. His larger-than-life presence filled every room he walked into.  Gregarious, strong-willed, and always up for a good laugh, Rick approached life head on and at full speed.  With a passion for learning and a flare for debate, his booming voice cut through every crowd. While many only knew his tough guy persona, he was really just a big softy at heart. Generous and kind, Rick was uniquely Rick.

Born in New York City on April 25, 1947, to Murph and June Savitt, Rick later moved with his parents to Great Neck, Long Island. After graduating Great Neck North High School, Rick attended The University of Toledo where he met his late wife, Jean. The young couple moved back to New York where they had their son Jason before moving to Chicago to expand the family’s pet manufacturing business.  There, in the west suburbs of Chicago, they welcomed daughter Brandi.

Rick spent his professional career in the pet supply industry. A leader in the industry, he pioneered many products and programs, including several product patents and innovations that are now considered the gold standard.  He also helped to shape many industry policies that continue to influence how people care for and interact with their family pets. His contributions were many, and include the formation of The Pet Care Trust, that funds the national “Pets in the Classroom” program, helping introduce millions of children to the love of pets on a national scale. 

After losing his beloved Jean in 2012, Rick met his dear Gail A. Trapp, and the couple married in 2014. Later retiring from work life, Rick and Gail purchased a home in Florida and spent their time between Chicago and Naples.

Rick’s life was one well lived, and he will be forever remembered, loved, and missed as a loving father, grandfather, brother, husband, friend and a “tell it like it is” guy.

Rick passed away on July 27th, 2023, and is preceded in death by his father Mervin “Murph”, Mother June, his brothers-in-law Robert Ireton, Thomas Hession and Ron Jablonski, and his first wife Donna Jean Savitt.

He is survived by his wife Gail, his sister Lynn, daughter Brandi, son Jason, daughter-in-law Megan, his grandsons Max, Calvin, and Levi, sisters-in-law Jacquelyn Hession, and Lucy Ireton, as well as his nieces, close friends and colleagues.

Visitation will be on Thursday August 3rd, 2023 from 10 AM – time of service at 11AM  at Leonard Funeral Home located at 565 Duane Street Glen Ellyn, IL.

Burial at Wheaton Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Kidney Fund.org, https://www.kidneyfund.org/ways-give.

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