Friends of homicide victim come together for vigil

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Friends of homicide victim come together for vigil

by PAT BAILEY

Story Created: Jul 1, 2008 at 10:41 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2008 at 3:02 PM EDT

UTICA - As the search goes on for the person who killed a Utica man in his Kennedy Plaza apartment, Tuesday, those close to Richard Savage gathered to remember him.

“He was very quiet, very humble. He went to school, he mainly mined his business.” Said Irena Pressley, a Kennedy Plaza resident. “He showed me respect, he never passed at me in any kind of way. I noticed his spirit, he had good spirit”.

Most of the dozen or so at Tuesdays vigil, knew of Richard Savage. Some only passed him in the hall, while others used to play video games with him. His neighbors said he got along with most everyone, making the news of his death a shock.

“We called this the United Nation”, said Bob Brice, a tenant at Kennedy Plaza. “Everybody here is Black, White, Oriental, or Latino. Everybody here gets along”.

Tuesday, Utica's Public Safety Commissioner, Dan Labella, says there was evidence of drug use in the room when savage was found. However, the folks living at the Kennedy Plaza apartments, who knew Savage, say that wasn't the type of guy Richard was.

“No, no no. Not in my opinion. I have seen him everyday out here I have never seen him do anything like that, no no”, said Brice.

Savage was found Sunday, in his apartment. However, Utica's acting Police Chief hasn’t revealed when exactly Savage was shot and killed.
Police found his body late Sunday.

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Tuesday, Jul 15 at 5:27 PM Another Mom wrote ...

It is a tragic when anyone this young dies-my heart breaks for his family. People write at how wonderful he was no one seems to remember that there is now a little boy who will never know his father-This precious little boy will grow up without a Daddy. Has anyone thought of establishing a trust fund for this young child? I am sure this little man will have love from this family but who is going to support him financially now and in the future????

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Tuesday, Jul 15 at 3:32 PM Friend of Rich wrote ...

Rich, I miss you and this shouldn't have happened. Being at the service reminded me of Mychal Harris' funeral. It's sad that we are losing our young black males to murders & the prisons. For all who say Utica is going downhill, u need to hit city hall n let them know they need more activities for these youngsters. There's nothing 4 them to do, so they get into trouble. My heart and prayers go out to the Savage family.

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Friday, Jul 11 at 2:26 PM anonymous wrote ...

People that didn't know Rich should not be allowed to comment.He came from a good family with a Father and Mother that loved him, and he didn't deserve this.This family has done so many positive things for our youth and the community and I think people forget that.They always tried to avoid a situation like this.The violence has to stop.If you people have nothing positive to say then keep it to yourself. My prayers and thoughts are with the Savage family at this time.

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Friday, Jul 4 at 9:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

no one deserves to die in this fashion, but he chose this path and and knew what was involved in what he was doing , remember he was shot for the same thing in 2001 and didnt learn from that drugs are what is killing the cities and bringing crime , as far as being a father that is a joke he never supported his kids, he was more concerned about dealing is stuff,stealing from kids pockets at the ymca , playing video games , and hanging out at luppias,

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Friday, Jul 4 at 1:19 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I know the killer or killers who murdered Rich is reading this everyday! I hope your heart is feeling guilty right now!The way you left his heart bleeding like a dog and his Mom's heart broken You will be convicted for this! A lie can't live forever and a murderer can't run forever because everyday God will let you see Rich face until you turn yourself in! My prayers go out to the Savage Family and God Bless you all because you are truly God's children.

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Thursday, Jul 3 at 9:35 AM To: AJ wrote ...

You know it is people like you that upset me. You speak as if you knew the man. You speak based on what you here and no what you know. Rich was a good guy a father, a son and a provider for his family. I am so sick of these comments they are out of control and you and other people on this website seem to have no consideration for the fact that his family has lost a loved one. Rich may have been no angel, but we are all inperfect and live in a inperfect world. Only God can judge that man.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:52 PM Ton wrote ...

With this news blog racist individuals in the city of Utica have been allowed by WKTV to say whatever hurtful thing that they want to say. People are entitled to their own opinions but not in the instance when what they say offends an entire race!! How dare this local news station allow such racist things to be said? But since there is no one at WKTV that appears to respect all individuals in the city of Utica, let me say this: Not all black people ar bad, not all Cornhill residents are bad!

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 8:00 PM abc wrote ...

Hmmm....lets see...second commenter, from concerned, we have a chicken who wont go to the police..and we have lots of people who think he was a saint and a few people who think that weed is ok..and you all wonder how the city has gone downhill. People who dont use common sense and responsibility are running rampant. Weed is bad, wether you use it or sell it. He didnt deserve to die, but MAYBE some of these druggies will get the message that using or selling..drugs are bad..and stay away.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 6:40 PM Nonsense wrote ...

If a pedophile that molested children was gunned down would there be a vigil for him or her? I think that everyone grieves in their own way however I think its amazing that a person who contributed to the drug and crime problem in the city is now having candle light vigils done in his memory. I dont have a problem with the way someone deals with the loss of a loved one but these "neighbors" have to be kidding me. Im surprised they didnt have a vigil for Saddam when he was hung.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 6:00 PM another kp resident wrote ...

Rich was a great guy he was NOT a drug dealer he like to some weed...he did not deserve this!!! and who ever did this WILL pay!!!!

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 5:39 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I didnt know Richard,but I knew his mother & what a wonderful lady she is so I know he must have been a good guy.My heart breaks for the whole family Best of luck in catching this coward.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 5:04 PM Ton wrote ...

WKTV I must have hit a real nerve with the person who decides which "opinions[ get put on, because now there are two of my comments that have not been posted! now this definitely makes me feel that there truly is no vindication for those of us who have been discriminated against especially the family of this young man! I am ashamed to say that you are the local news that so many people rely to stay informed!

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 2:42 PM TO AJ: wrote ...

That is insane do you know the Savage Family? Because I do! They are one of the nicest family's in this area. You should think before you speak.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:55 PM KP Resident wrote ...

At the Time we were praying right there, so how can you say they have there faces hidden?? Dont say something unless you know the facts. We all need Unity to Stop the Violence. Everyday we are watching out for our lives when we should be enjoying it. KP is all mixed races like Bob said, we have Korean, Indonesian, Pakistanians, Latino's, Blacks, White..You can say there is at least 1 of each race here. We ALL really do get along with each other, that is why this is so tragic. We all mingle~

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:48 PM AJ wrote ...

Utica keeps going more and more down hill. Kids need structure, caring parents and a nurturing environment to grow up in - or else they will all end up on drugs with consequences that either involve death or jail/prison. "Concerned" it is a very big deal that he was a drug dealer. He was basically killing people with his poison. All I can say is, karma -what goes around comes around. Unfortunately, another sad soul is lost.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:31 PM Awkward wrote ...

Its is tragic when a life is lost. However he chose the life of dealing drugs and was in that game. Now everyone is supposed to feel sorry for what happened. I remember that a female from cornhill told the OD awhile ago that it didnt bother her or some of her "friends" that a police officer was killed. (Ref. to Office Lindsay) Now why in the world should someone feel bad that a drug dealer who lived by the sword, died by the sword?

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 11:52 AM concerned wrote ...

Rich was a very nice guy. It's time to face the facts, yes he was a drug dealer but didn't deserve to die. Whoever did this is a coward. From word on the street "bundles" did this and was involved with shooting on stark street with orlando curtis also. i hope the police read this so they can really look for the right person.

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Wednesday, Jul 2 at 7:42 AM interesting wrote ...

the 2 black man both have their faces hidden, humm.

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