John F. Savage, 87, of 90 Auburn St., a machinist for 27 years, died yesterday at home after a long illness.

     He leaves his wife of 54 years, Mary A. (Yurasha) Savage; a son, John A. Savage of Gloversville, N.Y.; a daughter, Catherine M. Schonbeck of Berkshire, N.Y.; a sister, Helen Nichols of Worcester; five grandchildren; nephews and nieces. He was born in Worcester, son of Peter and Mary (Jones) Savage, and lived here for more than 50 years. He graduated from South High School in Worcester. While in high school, he was recruited by Dr. Robert H. Goddard to assist in mathematical calculations during the research and launching of the world’s first rocket in Auburn.

     Mr. Savage was a machinist at David Gessner Co. in Worcester for 27 years, retiring in 1974. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church. He was a skilled woodworker.

     The funeral will be held Tuesday from Britton-Wallace Funeral Home, 91 Central St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford St. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours at the funeral home are 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow.