Allen Anthony “Joe” Savilla, 86, of Nitro, West Virginia, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at home after a long illness.
Known to many as Joe and lovingly referred to as “Papa Joe” by his family, friends, and church community, he was a steady and familiar presence to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and the care he showed in simple, meaningful ways. Joe faced life—and its challenges—with resilience, dignity, and grace.
Joe was a graduate of Nicholas County High School, Class of 1957, and furthered his education at West Virginia State College. He spent many years in the oil industry, working for Texaco, Mobil, and other notable companies, retiring as Vice President of Lubricant Sales at Petroleum Products, Inc. of Charleston, West Virginia. Loyal to his customers and deeply committed to his work, Joe was known for going above and beyond—often delivering a drum or even a single bucket of oil in the middle of the night to help a customer through an emergency until a full order could arrive. For this dedication, he was affectionately nicknamed “One Bucket” by his friends.
In the 1970s and ’80s, Joe and his family operated Savilla’s Nitro Texaco, where countless memories were made and are still fondly talked about today. Joe’s generosity was well known, and on occasion he allowed customers to “pawn” something for a tank of gas. His wife, Joan, once recalled him bringing home a rusty hand saw with several teeth missing, which he had accepted until a customer was able to get paid.
Joe devoted much of his life to serving his community. He served on the Nitro City Council in Ward I for a total of twenty years and was a dedicated member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, Sons of Italy Lodge of Charleston, West Virginia, and many other civic organizations.
A lifelong mentor, Joe coached Nitro Little League baseball, football, and basketball for many years, and many of his former athletes still affectionately refer to him as “Coach.”
One of Joe’s greatest joys was singing. He shared his beautiful voice in the Choir at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for over 50 years, bringing comfort, joy, and inspiration to generations of parishioners. He was also renowned for his authentic spaghetti sauce, which he lovingly prepared for church events and school fund-raising activities.
A romantic at heart, Joe’s devotion to his wife, Joan, was recognized nationally when he was named “America’s Most Romantic Husband” by Woman’s Day magazine in the February 1998 issue.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, and by his children: Allen Anthony Savilla II (Molly) of Hurricane, West Virginia; James Joseph Garland Savilla (Catherine) of St. Augustine, Florida; and Rocco Roland Savilla (Candace) of Lake Wylie, South Carolina.
Joe was blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great pride and joy.
He is also survived by his siblings: Charles Manville Savilla of Hurricane, West Virginia; Samuel Basil Richard (Dolly) Savilla of Nitro, West Virginia; Rebecca Savilla Stofflet (George) of West Chester, Pennsylvania; and Kenneth Howard Savilla of Cross Lanes, West Virginia, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Garland C. “Mallie” Savilla, and mother, Ruth Rigney Savilla, and by his brothers, Bennie Lee Savilla, Arlen “Jim” Savilla, and Garland Savilla.
A faithful man, Joe was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nitro, where he worshiped since 1957.
Friends may call on Friday, February 13, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca, West Virginia, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Father John Chapin Engler officiating.
A private entombment will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House, West Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25387; Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001; or My Daily Living, PO Box 339, Nitro, WV 25143.
Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through his family, faith, music, coaching, public service, generosity, romance, and the love he so faithfully shared with everyone around him.
