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Vincent Francis Savino
Vincent Francis Savino (27 July 1927 - 28 August 2022) was an Irish-Italian senior officer in the Defence Forces (Óglaigh na hÉireann), serving with distinction for 44 years and achieving the rank of Major General. He made significant contributions to peacekeeping efforts, both domestically and internationally, and was renowned for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication to service. Vincent was also one of the founders of the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) to which he was national president. In his later years, he became the Honorary President of Epilepsy Ireland, a charity that provides support, information and advice to people with epilepsy. His first time serving for the United Nations was in May of 1962. He was the staff officer in the Military Personnel Section at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in the Congo, Ireland’s first UN peacekeeping mission.

Early life and education
Vincent Francis Savino was born on July 27 1927 in Glasnevin. He was the son of Frank Savino, a civil servant in the Department of Defence, whose commitment to excellence served as a guiding example for Vincent and his sister Marie. The Savino family can trace their origins back to Italy, with Vincent's paternal grandfather, Giuseppe Savino, choosing to settle in Dublin after the Ship he originally planned to immigrate to New York on just like many of his contemporaries, stopped in Cork. There he met Maria Rosa Gasparro, also of Italian descent. Maria was the daughter of famous musician Angeloantonio "Anthony" Gasparro who performed all across Ireland in a 3-man band with his two older brothers, Francis and Nicholas Gasparro. She is also a 2nd cousin 1x removed of Frank Gasparro, who is known for being the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1965 until 1981, as well as many other successful coins which he personally engraved. Giuseppe and Maria married two years later and went on to have four children. Both Maria Rosa Gasparro and Giuseppe Savino had heritage exclusively in the Town of Marsicovetere in Basilicata, Italy. Giuseppe was born at his family house of No.3 Via Santa Venere, Marsicovetere, To his unmarried mother, Maria Filomena Savino. His wife Maria Rosa on the other hand was born in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, Ireland. Her father was one of 5 siblings, all born in Marsicovetere. Her mother, Mary Ellen Murphy, was born in Sandycove, Dublin. She was of Irish and Spanish descent.

Vincent received his education at the O'Connell School on North Richmond Street, where his passion for sports began to flourish. From Gaelic football to soccer, rugby, athletics, boxing, and swimming, Vincent excelled in various disciplines, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit from a young age.

Military Career
In November 1945, Vincent Savino embarked on his military journey by joining the Defence Forces' 19th Cadet Class. Over the ensuing years, he steadily climbed the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic prowess. His promotions included appointments as Captain (1957), Commandant (1971), Lieutenant Colonel (1978), Colonel (1982), and Brigadier General (1984), ultimately serving as the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_officer_commanding#:~:text=General%20officer%20commanding%20(GOC)%20is,who%20holds%20a%20command%20appointment. General Officer Commanding] (GOC) of the Eastern Command.

Throughout his illustrious career, Savino played pivotal roles in numerous peacekeeping missions, including deployments with the United Nations. Notably, he served as a staff officer in the Military Personnel Section during Ireland's inaugural UN peacekeeping mission in the Congo in May 1962. He also undertook assignments in Cyprus, Egypt, and Lebanon, where his unwavering dedication and resolve earned him widespread acclaim.

Love affairs
Vinny's Relationships were not always as smooth sailing as he would have liked, however. In 1970, while stationed in Northern Ireland, he met a woman much younger than himself by the name of Margaret "Gillian" Price. Months down the line, Gill found herself pregnant which frightened Savino as he knew he had a wife and children back home. Gill gave birth to her son whom she gave the name Mark on 10 December 1970. Savino was not present at the birth however Mark's surname was later changed from Price to Savino on his birth certificate. The surname change occurred within the same month of his birth. After Gillian and Vincent fell out, she made the conscious decision as a very young woman to give Mark away to a family friend of hers in England, Margaret "Peggy" Treanor. Peggy married John McKenna in Dublin and soon after travelled back together to their home in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, England where they both raised Mark and his sister Catherine whom they also adopted. Mark still lives today with four children, Aimee, Thomas, Elsa and Joseph-Charles. Mark legally changed his surname to McKenna in 2014, weeks before his first marriage. To this day Vincent and Mark have and now will never meet. Vincent claimed it was unlikely that he had any more children from short-lived love affairs overseas but Gillian was not so convinced. Both Gillian and Vincent passed away in 2022.

Post-Military Endeavours
Following his retirement from active service in 1989, Vincent Savino remained actively engaged in various pursuits. He co-founded the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) and served as its National President, advocating for the welfare and recognition of veterans. Additionally, Savino continued his involvement in sports, both as a player and coach, notably serving as President of Wanderers Rugby Club during the 1984/85 season.

Beyond his military and sporting achievements, Savino was a devoted family man and pillar of his community. He was married to Catherine, affectionately known as Kate, for 65 years, and together they raised a loving family. His commitment to charitable causes, including fundraising for Epilepsy Ireland, reflected his compassionate nature and desire to make a positive impact beyond the battlefield.

Legacy
Vincent Francis Savino's legacy is one of unwavering dedication, exemplary leadership, and selfless service. Throughout his remarkable life, he embodied the core values of integrity, courage, and compassion, inspiring countless individuals within and beyond the Defence Forces. His contributions to peacekeeping, sports, and community outreach left an indelible mark on Ireland and the world, earning him the enduring respect and gratitude of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Vincent Savino is survived by his children, Gina, Anna, Rosa, Caterina, Elena, and Franz from his Wife Catherine Lloyd and his other son Mark from a short-term relationship he had in 1970 whilst in Northern Ireland with Gillian Price. Not to forget his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Marie who passed away on 1 January 2015. His memory lives on in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through his remarkable legacy of service and sacrifice.