Nicholas, “Nick”, James Sava was called home to heaven on December 14, 2020. He is the loving husband of Karen (nee Liney); devoted brother of Robert Sava (Eleanor);beloved uncle to Lucas and Eva Sava and 22 Liney nieces and nephews, especially Sarah and Rachel; cherished son of the late Nicholas and Edith Sava. Nick grew up in Havertown, PA where he was a lifelong parishioner of St. Denis Church, an active alumnus of Archbishop John Carroll (’73) and Villanova University (’77). Nick was a firefighter for the Oakmont Fire Company, served as Deputy Chief, served on the Board of Directors, and was a Life Member. Nick selflessly served the community as a firefighter for 48 years. He always considered his fellow firefighters his second family. Nick was always a friendly face at Stretch Funeral Home, where he worked for over 20 years as a funeral assistant. Nick was a calming presence for so many in their time of need. Nick was an avid Phillies fan and many will recall his famous “Sava Tours” to the home openers. Of all the places in the world, Nick’s favorite place to be was in Sea Isle City, Nj, where he was considered the “Mayor of the Sea Isle.” He spent many happy summers on the beach with his soul mate, Karen. Nick loved to set up his chair on the beach with Karen and endlessly stare at the ocean, one of the greatest sources of peace in his life. He loved to swim in the ocean and boogie board with Karen and the kids. He relished in being the reigning “Bocce Ball Champ” of Sea Isle, a tournament that would happen during the big August family vacation. The good-natured teasing amongst the Bocce players was legendary! But come September, Nick would mourn the end of summer. Many will remember his famous picture where he wrote “I hate September” in the sand; or the one that says, “I REALLY hate October”. Nick will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his jokes, or his Nick-isms that are repeated by many time and time again. He always had people smiling and laughing and he was always up for a good time. If you came to his house, he would invite you in, tell you to grab a beer, relax, and watch the Phils with him. These conversations would last well past the Phillies games, with Nick lamenting on many funny stories of his past that would have everyone laughing. In recent years, Nick was able to relax and enjoy life spending the entire summer months with Karen at their new beach house. The August family vacation was a highlight of his life. He enjoyed teaching all of the nieces and nephews how to boogie board and body surf. Recently he became an uncle to his new niece Eva. (Nick gave her a nickname of “Nicole”; joking in typical Nick fashion, that she should have been named after him). He lit up when he saw her and was looking forward to spoiling her like he did to others. He had many bonds with each of his nieces and nephews, many of them can tell you their own little inside jokes, special memories, or traditions. Often he would show up at one of his nieces or nephews’ ball games unannounced to cheer them on and would always slip them cash afterwards to spend at the snack bar. Nick was always the first to lend a hand when needed, plow your driveway in a big snowstorm (without being asked), help you move, pick you up, drive you where you needed to go, just be “that guy” always there when needed. Nick meant so much to many people and was certainly a staple in Havertown and Sea Isle. The absence of Nick’s face and his animated voice leaves a somber void in all our hearts. What a legacy Nick leaves behind; what a life he has lead. With his selfless nature, we know he would ask the same of us right now. Please encourage and support each other, especially the love of his life, Karen and his beloved brother Bob, as we all attempt to live life without him. He will certainly never be forgotten. Nick touched all of us with his presence, his service, his sense of humor, friendship, generosity and we were better off having known him. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory that no one can steal.”