Toy Savage Obituary – Norfolk Academy is mourning the loss of Toy Savage ’71, a lifelong Bulldog whose remarkable 37-year tenure as a teacher, coach, historian, and mentor left an indelible mark on the school community. His passing, announced on Friday, December 5, 2024, through a statement shared on Norfolk Academy’s Facebook page, has brought a wave of reflection and gratitude for a life devoted to education and service.
Toy Savage’s connection to Norfolk Academy was deeply personal and spanned over seven decades, a legacy entwined with his family’s history. His great-great-grandfather, Robert Gatewood, served as head of the school from 1865 to 1888, and Toy carried this torch of dedication into the modern era. From his student days as a member of the Class of 1971 to his many roles within the faculty, his bond with the Academy was profound and enduring.
After graduating from Norfolk Academy, Toy pursued higher education at Princeton University and later earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. He initially built a career in law, working at a firm in Baltimore and teaching briefly at the Gilman School. However, it was his return to Norfolk to join his father at Willcox & Savage that reignited his passion for teaching. In 1986, Toy returned to his alma mater, where he would dedicate nearly four decades to shaping the minds and lives of students.
During his time at Norfolk Academy, Toy wore many hats. He was a Middle School Ancient History Teacher, Upper School History and Political Science Teacher, Head of the Upper School, Honor Council Advisor, and coach for both softball and golf. On game days, his voice brought energy and warmth as the announcer for home football games. His profound knowledge of the school’s history led him to author Norfolk’s Academy: The Heart of Tidewater, a comprehensive chronicle of the institution’s past, as well as The Savage Chronicles, a beloved blog that connected the school’s heritage to its present.
Toy’s colleagues remember him as a man of boundless curiosity, intellect, and compassion. His students recall his ability to bring history to life, making ancient civilizations and complex political theories feel relevant and inspiring. “Toy had an unmatched gift for storytelling,” said a fellow faculty member. “He made every lesson an experience, weaving narratives that not only educated but also inspired.”
His influence extended far beyond the classroom. As Honor Council Advisor, Toy championed the values of integrity and accountability, shaping the moral foundation of the students under his guidance. On the athletic fields and golf courses, he coached with enthusiasm and patience, fostering teamwork and perseverance in every player.
In 2023, Toy retired from full-time teaching, but his presence and impact at Norfolk Academy endured. He remained a cherished figure within the community, often visiting the campus to share stories, attend events, and continue his work as the school historian.
Toy’s passing has elicited an outpouring of tributes from alumni, faculty, and current students. “Mr. Savage was more than a teacher; he was a mentor and a friend,” one former student shared. “He didn’t just teach us facts; he taught us how to think, how to care, and how to be better people.”
Norfolk Academy has announced a memorial gathering to celebrate Toy’s life and legacy. The event will be held at 4 p.m. on December 14 in the Samuel C. Johnson Theater on campus. It is expected to be a heartfelt tribute to a man whose contributions to the school will be remembered for generations.
For Toy, teaching was not just a career—it was a calling. His greatest pride was the impact he had on his students and the relationships he built with colleagues and the broader school community. As Norfolk Academy bids farewell to one of its most beloved figures, it does so with deep gratitude for a life devoted to education, history, and the values that define the Bulldog spirit.
Rest in peace, Toy Savage—teacher, historian, mentor, and eternal Bulldog.