Community Mourns Chuck Savatsky, A Cherished Leader

Community Mourns the Loss of Chuck Savatsky, Beloved Dexter Resident and Senior Director at Autodesk

Dexter, Michigan – Charles “Chuck” Edward Savatsky, age 66, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A resident of Dexter, Savatsky’s death has left a significant void in both his family and the community that cherished him.

Born on August 15, 1958, in Dearborn, Michigan, Savatsky was the third child of George and Mary Lillian Savatsky. He is survived by his wife Rumi, children Tom and Lydia, and step-daughter Hana. Additionally, he is remembered by his siblings George and Kathy, along with several nieces and a nephew.

Chuck exhibited a strong work ethic from a young age, having taken over the neighborhood lawn mowing business at just nine years old. Known for his kindness, he often received homemade pies from neighbors. During his junior high years, he spent enjoyable summers at Camp Dearborn with his siblings, fostering lifelong bonds.

At Dearborn High School, Chuck earned co-captain status on the cross-country team, forming lasting friendships with teammates Jared and Pete. He also developed an early love for the performing arts, playing the lead role in the sixth-grade production of “H.M.S. Pinafore” and participating in his church choir.

In 1981, Savatsky graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He began his professional career at Applicon in Ann Arbor, where he worked for 17 years until it was acquired by Schlumberger. This transition led him to Germany for two and a half years, igniting his passion for travel. After his time overseas, he returned to Michigan, where he devoted 26 years to Autodesk in Novi, ascending to the position of Senior Director of Software Development before his retirement in April 2025. His leadership was instrumental in developing Autodesk’s 3D CAD design product, Inventor.

As a father, Chuck had a unique bond with his son Tom, who is on the autism spectrum. He enjoyed taking Tom to their favorite restaurants, Metzger’s and the Dexter Pub, fostering a loving environment through shared experiences such as meals and television shows. Chuck also supported his daughter Lydia in her journey to become a Data Scientist in New York City, guiding her through educational transitions like graduate school and job interviews. He enjoyed teaching both Lydia and his step-daughter Hana how to drive, showcasing his patience and commitment to his family.

Chuck’s love for sports was evident, as he was a dedicated fan of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan Wolverines football. His passion extended to outdoor activities, including boating, skiing, hiking, golfing, cycling, and scuba diving. He participated in various races, such as the North American VASA and marathons in Detroit and Chicago. Moreover, travel held a significant place in his heart, and Chuck created cherished memories with family during trips to destinations like Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and a memorable cruise in Alaska. His bucket list included places like Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, and Machu Picchu.

Chuck was also known for his appreciation of craft beer, whiskey, bourbon, and particularly red wine like Amarone. Friends and colleagues recognized him for his generosity, warmth, integrity, and inspiring presence. He was well-known for tipping servers generously and helping friends in need.

His final day was spent enjoying jazz music with Rumi and friends at a local brewery called Mothfire, a fitting send-off for a man who valued connection and joy in every moment. In his memory, Chuck’s family plans to plant a grove of trees on their property in Dexter. Contributions to this tribute can be made through a GoFundMe link provided by the family.