Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Call now for immediate attention: 772-999-5547
Jeffrey Joseph Saputo, 57, of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away tragically on the evening of Friday, July 19, due to injuries sustained in a car accident.
A retired Indian River County Deputy, Jeffrey dedicated nearly eighteen years of service to the IRCSO, beginning on August 7, 1998, and retiring on July 13, 2016. He initially served as a Corrections Deputy before transitioning to a Law Enforcement Deputy role in 2000. As a Motorcycle Deputy in the Traffic Unit, he was known for his expertise and was the agency’s first Drug Recognition Expert, receiving numerous accolades and awards throughout his career.
For the past six years, Jeffrey had been serving as the Clinical Director of DUI programs at the Florida Safety Council in Orlando, Florida. His commitment to public safety and his community was unwavering.
Jeffrey was a remarkable individual and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Laura, and his children: Vincent and Anthony of Palm Bay, FL; Ryan Green of Buffalo, NY; and Jade Green of Fellsmere, FL. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Alison, Olivia, and Jacob. Jeffrey is also survived by his mother, Marie Saputo; his sisters, Lori Rich (Joe) of Oxford, CT, and Cindy Saputo of Watertown, CT; and his brother, John Saputo of Putnam County, NY. He will be deeply missed by his nephews, Matthew and Michael Rich of Oxford, CT, and his nieces, Tia Smith and Gianna Grigas of Watertown, CT.
Jeffrey was predeceased by his father, John A. Saputo, and his aunt and uncle, Winnie and Bernie Mayernick.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jeffrey’s name to either St. Baldrick’s Foundation or Give Kids The World, causes that were close to his heart.
Jeffrey’s dedication to his community, his love for his family, and his passion for helping others will always be remembered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Our caring professionals are here to assist you and your family during this difficult time. We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week to assist in immediate arrangements or pre-arrangements.
Laura Saputo
July 23, 2024, 4:10 pm
A celebration of Jeffrey’s life will be held 11 am, Saturday, August 3, 2024 at the Community Church of Vero Beach, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Jeff Gibbs
July 24, 2024, 12:52 pm
It saddens me to hear the news of your passing. I can still hear you saying “Motor 1 Traffic” over the radio.
You will be greatly missed, brother.
Frank Cookie Mannino
July 24, 2024, 1:42 pm
Saddend by the loss of a valued friend, Jeff leaves a tremendous void in the St. Baldrick’s IRC community and every community he has touched.
Karrie Spooner
July 24, 2024, 1:48 pm
It saddens me to hear of your passing. We made a good team at the IRCSO Traffic Unit. The public track us and even gave us nicknames on Facebook, the fat cop on the motorcycle and the bitch in the blue car. Jeff, all I can say is we did this community well. RIP my old friend. You will be missed by many.
Andrew Hamel
July 24, 2024, 2:08 pm
My heart is truly broken for the family and friends that this great loss has affected… this family is one of the most trustworthy and caring families I have ever known. They have dedicated their lives to helping others and giving back to the community. Anyone that has met them are better people just from having knowing them. Godspeed and good journey my brother.
Carmine Vitle
July 24, 2024, 2:26 pm
I was so saddened to hear the news that you were in a car accident, and that you are no longer with us, Jeff. You were truly a great neighbor and friend. My heart goes out to you Laura, and your boys Vincent, Anthony and to the entire Saputo family. Rest in Eternal Peace Jeff.
Gregg Berg
July 24, 2024, 4:22 pm
My thoughts and prayers to all of the family.
Benjamin Paul Zelno
July 24, 2024, 4:32 pm
My deepest condolences for the loss of this great man, Laura!
He is with God and you will one day be reunited!
Paul Zelno
DUI Victim Impact Panel
Victims Rights Coalition
Indian River County
Cindy Saputo
July 24, 2024, 7:41 pm
How I will miss my big brother. I wish everyone will know that Jeff was an awesome brother, and a truly a good human.
Love your sister, Cindy Saputo
Xxoo
Sharon Johns
July 24, 2024, 9:04 pm
I was deeply saddened and surprised to hear that you have left us so suddenly. You are such a wonderful person. I call you a “Gentle Giant “ of a man. I really enjoyed working with you. You have left such a VOID In my life!
Melanie Gustainus
July 24, 2024, 9:40 pm
My prayers and thoughts go out to the Saputo family. I worked in the DUI Department of Florida Safety Council under Jeff. I got to know him in the last year. He was a great Director. He was a joy to work with and was good at making me laugh. He will truly be missed. God bless!
Casie Shimansky
July 24, 2024, 10:09 pm
Thinking of this incredible family & the heartbreak felt throughout the community. We are with you all, always — as is Jeff.
Jade Green
July 24, 2024, 10:29 pm
Me and the kids are going to miss so so big, Steppa.
I’ll always be thankful for the 20 years that I got to know you. Thanks for being the best dad to me and grandfather to my kids!
Charlene Hollo
July 24, 2024, 11:36 pm
My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to Laura, Vincent, Anthony, Marie, Johnny, Cindy, and the rest of the family.
Rest In Peace Bubba! I know gram and Aunt Winnie are spoiling you.
Emily & Chad MacConnell
July 24, 2024, 11:59 pm
Our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Jeff was a great man and he will truly be missed by so many.
Debbie Cross, Fellsmere
July 25, 2024, 12:35 am
It really saddens me to hear of Jeff passing. He was the greatest person and a helluva motorcycle cop. I live in Fellsmere and all I had to do was call and he would come out to monitor the morning “school” traffic and again in the afternoon when the buses came home. He even pulled my husband over one morning. It was kind of funny. I hated when he retired and we stayed in touch for a little while. I pray for his entire family, extended family and friends for your peace. God bless you all and I hope Jeff rests in peace.
Nanci Gold Robinson
July 25, 2024, 12:40 am
So sad to hear of the passing of such a great human, and a wonderful Dad. I was blessed to teach all his children, and will remember how his face would light up when it was pick up time for the kids. So terribly sorry for your loss-
James Ooley
July 25, 2024, 6:40 am
Jeff was truly a great man, friend, and mentor. I always looked up to him and had more respect for him than I think he truly ever knew. A hard working gentle giant. There was never a time that I called to ask him for help or guidance that he turned me away.
Like it has already been mentioned, I can still hear “Motor 1 Traffic!” While there were so many that had a dislike for him, they just weren’t fortunate enough to truly know him.
Rest in peace brother, til we meet again!
Love ya buddy!
Thomas Flynn
July 25, 2024, 6:47 pm
I have to say that I didn’t expect to hear this information. On behalf of my family, I extend our deepest condolences to Laura and all of Jeff’s family. I always enjoyed working with Jeff, both as a Road Patrol Deputy and as members of the Traffic Unit. Please Lord, embrace him and welcome him into your heavenly kingdom.
Joanna Davis
July 26, 2024, 1:39 pm
Condolences are not sufficient. We have lost a man who led by example and whose love, devotion, honesty and common sense have and will continue to resonate in my life.
Jeffrey never failed to have a smile and to bring a smile to the most challenging of times .
My love to the family.
Joanna Davis
Donald R. Hart
July 26, 2024, 1:51 pm
Jeff, I had some great time working alongside you. You will be missed. By the way you will always be a legend to me.
My condolence to Laura, his children and to his family members.
harold harman
July 27, 2024, 6:46 pm
Working side by side at the Safety Council since 2018 was such a “gift”. Your presence, your smile and laughter was priceless. I am so saddened by your passing and also so grateful that I was privileged to know you. God bless you and your family.
Sue Smith
August 4, 2024, 1:15 am
Laura, I was so shocked to hear of your husbands passing. I remember him sitting at 58th & 60 waiting to pull over those red light runners. He caught a lot! Thinking of you and the twins during this very difficult time. Stay strong girl, and keep those great memories with Jeff close to your heart. (Mean Sue from Wije’s)