Local obituary: Savannah Salemme, Dighton 18-year-old

Savannah Ryan Salemme, of Dighton, passed away unexpectedly in a tragic car accident on September 19, 2025, at the young age of 18. Born in Weymouth on May 22, 2007, Savannah was raised in Randolph and Stoughton before moving to Dighton. Savannah graduated Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School, class of 2025. She excelled in HVAC and continued to pursue a career in the field with determination and pride.

Savannah’s zest for life shined through in everything she did. She thoroughly enjoyed listening to all types of track. There was no genre left off her playlists, with songs that matched her energy and moods. Savannah loved to travel and explore new places, always seeking adventure with a fearless spirit. She was gifted with a great sense of direction and could navigate through anywhere, in any city. She cherished the time she spent with her boyfriend Shawn, finding joy in the shared moments working on cars and trucks, going to the beach, or learning new things together. A proud member of the 603 Diesel, a truck meet club, she embraced the thrill of quarter mile and camaraderie of her fellow enthusiasts.

Her nurturing heart was evident in the love and care she gave her brother Leo and cousin Aubrey, taking on their care with grace and devotion. Savannah’s smile could light up any room, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Whether sharing a few special moments at the microwave with her parents, having extended family dinners, or cheering loudly at a meet, she had a gift for making everyone feel seen and loved.

She had a heart full of dreams, always chasing adventure with her fearless spirit and boundless curiosity. Her kindness and bountiful curiosity left an incredible mark on family, friends, classmates, and teachers. Savannah was a beautiful, kind, loving, and special lady whose light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. In her memory, her family encourages everyone to take a moment to crank up a favorite song, embark on a new adventure, or lend a helping hand, just as Savannah did with such joy.

She will be sorely missed by her “Mum” Arianna (Ellis) and “Daddo” Matthew Salemme of Dighton. Big “Sissy” of Leo Salemme and Charolette Fornaciari. Daughter of Michael Fornaciari of Braintree. Devoted grandparents Brian “Da” and Paula “Nonnie” Ellis of Middleboro, Patty and Mike McGrath of Braintree, John and Terry Salemme of Stoneham, Wayne Fornaciari of Plymouth, and Mary Salemme of Quincy. Cherished niece of Marc Ellis of Dighton, Dr. Paul Ellis and his wife Meghan of MS, Marissa Craig of Fall River, Jess Cummings of Braintree, Nicole Wilson and her husband Sean of W. Bridgewater, Shane Shannon and her husband Tommy of Whitman, and Sean McGrath of Braintree. Loving cousin of Aubrianna Ellis, Macayla Madden, Kayla Fitzgibbons, TJ Shannon, Jim Shannon, Raelyn Gifford, Logan Gifford, Sam Wilson, and Toby Wilson. Devoted girlfriend of Shawn Ponte of Raynham. Savannah is also survived by Shawn’s loving parents Stephanie and Shawn, Shawn’s younger siblings, several other family members, friends, and classmates. She will be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known her.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial visitation period on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM in the Cartwright Funeral Home, 419 N. Main St., Randolph. All are welcome to attend.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Savannah’s name to Children with Hair Loss. Donations can be made at www.childrenwithhairloss.org. As well as another cause dear to her heart, Donate Life, New England Donor Services, www.neds.org.

For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, please visit www.cartwrightfuneral.com.

This local obituary is published via Legacy.com and Cartwright Funeral Home. Want a loved one’s obituary featured on Boston.com? Submit your obituary here, or email it to [email protected].