John T. Savanna

John T. Savanna, age 72, a longtime resident of the Ann Arbor area, passed away May 15, 2020. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 27, 1947; son of Thomas and Genevieve (nee Thiery) Savanna.  He graduated from Taylor Center High School in Taylor, Michigan; Class of 1966.  He continued his education at Washtenaw Community College and Eastern Michigan University.  John married his high school sweetheart, Colleen Ciuffoletti on October 26, 1974; they spent 45 loving years together as husband and wife.

To know John was to be a part of his bakery; his passion for baking was hereditary. He was a 3rd generation baker and for 40 years, Mill Pond Bakery was like his second home. Friends and customers gathered there to listen to his stories and share in his baking craft that he was so passionate about. He filled the bakery and his home with his eclectic music, the people he loved and so much laughter. Along with baking bread, he greatly enjoyed gardening. When he wasn’t baking, he could be found outside, tending to his large gardens. He was always digging up flower bulbs and vegetables to share with his often present friends. Everyone who came to visit with John tasted a new food, always got their hands dirty and stayed for hours and hours. John loved to entertain and share leisurely meals and good wine with his friends and family. Organic, locally grown and crafted food was his passion, so it makes sense that his involvement with the community of the Ann Arbor Farmers Market brought him great happiness and fulfillment. The Ann Arbor Farmers market was where many customers became friends, having deep and genuine conversations over a loaf of bread.

He also enjoyed traveling; his trips included France to visit family, Italy and parts of Canada.  His favorite vacation was spending the summers on the coast of northern Michigan with his family.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen Savanna; his children, Jessica (George) Lemmon, Jonah Savanna, and Steven (Allison) Savanna; and his grandchildren, Henry and Frankie; brother-in- law Dave (Marlene) Ciuffoletti, niece Randi (Danny) Fardig and nephew Michael (Khristanna) Ciuffoletti. He is also survived by cousins Linda (Barry) Weinberg and Janet (Wayne) Fritzsche and dear relatives in Missouri, Pennsylvania and Langres, France.

The family will be having services at a later date.  During this difficult time, you may reach out to the family by leaving your thoughts online, or with a card or a phone call.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Arbor Hospice 440 West Russell St., Ste. 100, Saline, MI 48176.