Robert Heath Savage

After a long illness, Robert (Bob) Heath Savage, 91, passed away peacefully in Southport, Connecticut on January 17, 2021. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Lorna Dale Savage.  

Robert was born in Chillicothe, Ohio in 1929 to Frances (Nan) Hunter Savage and Russell Heath Savage.  

He graduated from Principia College in Illinois with a B.A. in English Literature and Economics in 1951 and received a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University in 1956.

He served in the Marine Corps from 1951–1954 before being honorably discharged with the rank of second lieutenant.    

His first marriage to Priscilla Gatchell ended in divorce. He married Lorna Alan Dale in New York City in 1970 and they lived in various cities including London, San Francisco, and New York City before settling in Connecticut.

He had an illustrious career in advertising, starting as a brand manager at Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati and continued in the field serving in many positions including senior vice president at Ogilvy & Mather, Inc., president and chairman of Botsford Ketchum, Inc. in San Francisco, chairman of KM & G International, and President of Compton Advertising in New York which merged with Saatchi and Saatchi. His work in advertising extended to serving as president of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s).

Although he was widely known and respected for his work in the advertising world, his favorite chapter in his career was that of Managing Director and COO of Henson Associates, Inc.—Jim Henson’s company and parent to the beloved Muppets and Sesame Street. 

Bob was active socially and a member of many social clubs including the Harvard Club of New York City, Gypsy Trail Club where he served as President and Chairman for several years, Fairfield Hunt Club where he served on the board, Brooklawn Country Club and Pequot Yacht Club.

Bob was remembered and appreciated by all he came in contact with as “always a gentleman.” One friend described him as the “prince of class, style, and the backhand [tennis].” Later in life he enjoyed golfing and bird watching.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Lorna, daughters Lesley Savage and Patricia Bravo, son-in-law Noel Bravo, and grandchildren Lila Savage Taylor, Maya Bravo and Benjamin Bravo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audubon Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Heath Savage, please visit our floral store.