Harry Bradley Safford, 95, of Florence, died Friday, September 12. He was born on July 4, 1919, in Utica, New York, and served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II. In September 1946, he married Jean Rogers, of Bardstown, Kentucky, in the historic Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, founded in 1816. After living for about nine years in Utica, New York, they moved to Florence, Alabama, in 1955. Harry was the father of eight children.
Harry worked for over 40 years in apparel manufacturing management and had been employed by Genesco Inc., Florence, Alabama, and Riverside Manufacturing Company, Moultrie, Georgia. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church, a long-time member of St, Joseph Catholic Church, Florence, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Walter B. and Clara Ruffrage Safford, and an infant brother, Walter Arthur Safford, all formerly of Utica, New York. He was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas M. Safford, formerly of Florence, Alabama.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Jean R. Safford, a daughter, and six sons. They are Suzanne S. Quick and husband, Reni, Apex, North Carolina; David J. Safford and wife, Deborah, Tuscaloosa; John R. Safford, Florence; Timothy W. Safford and wife, Martha, Florence; Donald S. Safford, Nashville, Tennessee; Michael B. Safford and wife, Dorinda, Hendersonville, Tennessee; and Robert J. Safford, Hendersonville, Tennessee. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Monday, September 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday, September 16, at 10 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Roy Runkle. The burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, St. Florian.
Active pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Church building fund or the St. Joseph School foundation, 115 Plum St., Florence AL 35630.
