William Myron Savitt
American, 1901 - 1995
Bill Savitt was a well known self-promoter, and his POMG slogan, "Piece of Mind Guaranteed" became a household phrase. He was also a philanthropist, supporting cross-denominational religious charities, disadvantaged children, and many others in need. He and his brother, Max Savitt, ran radio station WCCC from 1947 to 1967, devoting it to Hartford public affairs and enabling charities to broadcast their messages about community events. Bill Savitt was also a great patriot, helping to sell war bonds, supporting soldiers overseas, and always wearing a lapel pin with an American flag on it. He was even a sportsman: Bill Savitt formed the semipro "Savitt Gems" baseball team in the late 1920s, and he owned Bulkeley Stadium in Hartford's south end from 1932-1946. He brought in stars such as Babe Ruth, Dizzy Dean, and Ted Williams to play exhibition games, and he also enabled black players, such as Satchell Paige, to play in Bulkeley Stadium long before Major League Baseball allowed black players onto teams.
Bill Savitt received may awards for his charitable work over the years: the "Mr. Education" award from the Hartford Federation of Teachers; the Jewish War Veterans Citizenship Award; and Outstanding Boss award of Greater Hartford Jaycees to name of few. He was so well loved by the Hartford community that in 1987, Mayor Milner renamed Stubb Street as Savitt Way. When Bill Savitt died in Bloomfield on 14 March 1995, many people in Hartford felt they had lost a legend. Governor O'Neal and Mayor Peters spoke glowingly of him as one of the greatest citizens Hartford had ever had.
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