Obituary of Donald Huntley Safford

Donald Huntley Safford, 86, of Summerfield, FL, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on August 4, 2022. He was born on February 29, 1936 in Providence, RI, to Lewis and Beatrice Safford. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Kedoura "Kay"; his sister, Carol DeBeradinis (Carlton) of Brookfield, MA; son, Raymond Safford (Susan) of Jamestown, RI; daughter, Donna Quigley (Brad) of Palmer, MA; three grandchildren; Melissa Quigley, Kathryn Johnson (Adam), Jessica Randolph (Tyler) and four great-grandchildren; Cassidy Ryan, Caitlyn Ryan, Gabriella Gutierrez, and Benjamin Johnson. He was predeceased by his beloved first wife of 40 years, Ruth (Dexter) Safford; his grandson, Walter Quigley Jr.; his brother, Marvin Safford; and his sister, Alice Safford.

Don cherished his family and was blessed with a supportive and loving extended family. Kay's family deeply enriched Don's life. He loved Kay's children, Harry (Aime) Piligian and family of Woodstock, GA and Gloria (Tom) Brewer and family of Ipswich, MA, as his own.

Don grew up and attended school in East Providence, RI. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 11 years and had many fond memories of those years and locations of duty. Subsequent to this, much of his working life was in the area of property management. He was skilled at fixing almost anything and was meticulous in his attention to detail. He particularly enjoyed making the outdoors look beautiful. For 20 years he served in this capacity at multiple funeral homes in the greater Springfield, MA, area, before moving to Summerfield, FL in 2005. He and Kay enjoyed several wonderful years in Florida and made many new friends while serving and fellowshipping in local churches. They were inseparable.

Don was a sweet man with a generous and gentle spirit who made friends easily. He could strike up a conversation with most anyone he met. He was the best neighbor anyone could hope for. He had a zest for life and pursued many varied interests. He was a talented painter, gardener, musician, and songwriter. He enjoyed performing for family and friends, with praise and worship music being his favorite. Before his health declined he would play and perform his music in nursing homes and other venues. He also served on the Honor Guard with American Legion Post 284,Belleview, Florida.

His Christian testimony will always be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He will be greatly missed and forever appreciated.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave., Bushnell, FL on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greater Rhode Island Baptist Temple, 671 Greenville Ave, Johnston RI, 02919, or Freedom Fellowship, P.O. Box 130, Wildwood, FL, 34785.