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Robert Safford Obituary

Robert Owen Safford, Born in Meadville, Pa and raised in Buffalo, NY, Bob knew at a young age that he wanted more out of life and was willing to work hard to get it. Hard working summers at his uncles' farm in Breakabeen, NY, helped to instill a work ethic, that when coupled with his drive to achieve his dreams created a combination that would carry him on through life. Working his way through Cornell University ('56) helped prepare him for the rigors that lie ahead. Upon graduation, Bob fulfilled his dream of becoming a Marine Corps officer - and through that experience learned the discipline that it would take to achieve his dreams. Selling china, silver and crystal to single women for their hope chests, Bob learned he had a gift for not only selling, but for building. He used that gift and along with 3 other men, founded the fastest growing life insurance company of its kind. Those successes brought Bob into the National stage and he was soon recruited from Michigan to Pennsylvania and the fast growing National Liberty Corporation. He and his wife Pat moved their 4 children to Berwyn and have been in the area ever since. He along with 5 other families found the area needed an evangelical Christian church and helped to found the Church of the Saviour in Wayne. After building National Liberty from a direct mail to an agency business, Bob retired in 1979. What he learned in his "retirement" was, at 46 he was not ready for that. He knew of a tiny agency in Georgia that was ready to expand nationally on the concept that "buy Term and invest the difference" was the best concept for the American people and that the traditional insurance he had been selling did not help families to the same extent. Working with his two sons over the past 30 years their little family business now has 585 offices across North America helping thousands of families each month. After losing his wife Pat to cancer, he found love again with Barbara Harvey. Together for 20 years, they have carefully restored and added to their beloved historic Vaux Hill home in Phoenixville. Though he took time for his love of family, golf, tennis and serving on various local boards, Bob was driven to helping families achieve financial independence. His insatiable love for History and its artifacts led him to passionately serving as a Board Member for the American Revolution Center. Bob went home to be with the Lord on September 4th after a massive stroke. Bob is survived by his wife Barbara, his 4 children and their families : Bob & Cathy (Kim, Robert III, John, Daniel & Rebekah). Susan Copelas (Jason, Sarah & Tori,) Tom & Leila (Brian, Scotty & Avery) Ann & David Crosswhite (William, Owen & Emily), his sister Michelle, niece Julie and Nephew John Paul, his brothers-in-law Jim Harvey and nephew Clayton, Steve Rhoades and nieces Laura & Stephanie. A service will be held (Please check www.allevafuneralhome.com for service details). In Lieu of flowers Donations can be sent to the American Revolution Center : The American Revolution Center, Suite 835, 111 S. Independence Mall East, Philadelphia, Pa 19106 or online at www. Americanrevolutioncenter.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Main Line Media News from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Safford

Not sure what to say?





Michael Darling

September 5, 2012

To Tom Safford. Best of luck to you and your entire family. I have a picture of your father and I on the front steps of Vaux Hill from 2000 during the RNC. I will try to mail a copy. Take care.

Ken Noble

September 2, 2012

Miss you, Bob.

August 3, 2012

Happy Birthday Bob, we miss you! Rod & LuAnn Hausmann

Dan Gregory

March 2, 2012

From 1984, to 1992, I was in ALW (later PFS) under Ilie Neculae (MA) who was under Dennis Schechter (NJ - now deceased), who was under Robert Safford (PA), ultimately making it to RVP in 1990. When I joined, Dennis was still an SVP, so Robert was my NSD initially, later my SNSD.

Owing to the fact I have an excellent memory, I am able relate several anecdotes about/from Robert, the first of which, he regularly shared at Fast Start Schools and other training sessions.

For the benefit of those who wish to remember Robert fondly, I relate them here:

1) "As ye sow, so shall ye reap (and) you become what you think about"

To the best of my knowledge, this was a credo which Robert recommended that everyone take to heart. I know that I did, and I credit Robert personally for sharing this twin-prong principle - which I know surely changed my life for the better.

2) Robert took all of us once on a tour of his then newly purchased Colonial-Era estate (near Valley Forge PA) and very graciously allowed us to walk all around, including up to the roof-top vantage point. What I found most interesting about the tour, was how humble Robert was about his tremendous material success. Though he was clearly very wealthy, each and every person he visited with that day (and every other time I was in his presence, which was a least two dozen occasions), was attentively listened to by Robert as they spoke. It was always very evident to me that Robert cared deeply about and appreciated people.

3) When I was a very new greenie, for a training session welcoming Robert to Framingham MA, I bought a can of bathroom spray and hand-drew a new label that renamed it 'Pru-Be-Gone' which was 'Proven to destroy the stale odor of Pru' (the Termites out there reading this will remember the war cry back in 1984 to get Pru).

My gag gift was presented to him at a training session by my upline and Robert graciously read the entire details of the label, which included ingredients such as 'winning attitude' and 'essence of Art' to the entire meeting. I was just 24 years old at the time, but I can tell you for sure that I never forgot Robert's graciousness.

Looking back, that episode was truly a masterpiece of the art of recognition. Our small group, via my small gag gift, had shown Robert some appreciation and he compounded that by 10x more by playing along and genuinely appreciating a silly gag gift.

It's a sad day to the world when a gracious, caring man such as Robert Safford passes and I'm sorry that I only found out about it now.

My sincere condolences to his family.

Larry Martin

February 17, 2012

I am still in sales, although I left ALW around 92. Having said this, Bob was the most amazing sales/training person I ever met, and was honoured to have known him. I still listen to and follow his advice word for word, and he has been such an inspiration. My condolences to the family and thousands of friends, remembering he is today with the Lord whom he spent a lifetime serving. Blessings to all... Larry Martin

Chuck Maniaci

February 12, 2012

I just happened to learn of Mr.Saffords passing. He was a great man. The thing that sticks out most in my mind about Bob is that he loved the Lord and was not ashamed to let anyone know it. He is now in the presents of our
Lord and Saviour.My belated condolances go out to the Safford family.Thanks for sharing such a wonderful and inspiring man with us all. Chuck Maniaci, St.Clair,Michigan [former ALW RVP]

Brian Larcher

November 14, 2011

Just occasionally in life we are blessed by the presence of a truly Great individual, a compassionate, powerful soul committed to the business of living and sharing the joys of life with all who will listen. Bob Safford was such a man.

Michael John Darling

October 13, 2011

Dear Barbara, Bob Jr., Susan, Tom, and Ann,

I remember Bob Jr., Tom, and Ann. Your father was a wonderful man. He will be missed by all that knew him and some that didn't. I have a picture of he and I standing on the front porch at Vaux Hill from 2000 during the Republican National Convention after he gave myself and a person from Grand Marais, Minnesota a tour of the property. He helped me with many affairs in the last three years that you probably are not even aware of. I had to leave Primerica in 2005 for reasons I will not disclose.

I had not heard from him through the grapevine recently, so I decided to look at the internet. This will not be the best day of my life to say the least. I will find others to take his place in handling my duties. Ann, I saw somebody about two weeks ago that looked almost identical to you, but younger.

To all of the Robert Owen Safford family, take care. You will receive another message from me through another means of communication.

Sincerely,

Michael John Darling aka "John Darling" of the Kanasetake Mohawks at Oka, Quebec
53285 Falcon Avenue North
PO Box 521
Rush City, MN 55069

Selena Superstar Sawyer

October 6, 2011

One meeting with Bob changed my live forever we prayed laughed he told me I would be a very wealthy woman I had my goals with me my CCMP he said you will do great things Selena you have great great abilities and your faith in God I said you know I take everything you say to heart he said I know.I just know Primerica will the way of life in heaven Bob there's now him and God is talking about expansion. The Best of The Best thank you Bob tell my Mom & Dad I Learned from the Best I ROCK BIG Nothing will ever be the same.

donald lamson

October 3, 2011

wow, i just learned. stunned bigtime. well, bob, at least they got the "t" in the right place. precious people you are. the first time i heard bob speak, publicly, to hundreds, in a business setting, he gave his testimony of trusting Christ as his Saviour. he chose Relationship over religion. he trusted in Christ, not sacraments. bob is a Christian. what an awesome person. i saw bob last in 2003 and told him God had led me to start a Christian ministry. he said, "i will be there." what a guy. i am so glad i got to be his friend. and...those that trust Christ... we'll see him again! to his family, i remember all of you, and his friends... precious people you are... i love you.

Marie Ali

October 1, 2011

I send my deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Safford family. "Coach" Bob was a dear man, a great mentor and a living legend. His impact on the lives of people everywhere will continue for generations to come. I will miss him, and will continue to pray for the Safford family. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

Peter Strople

September 29, 2011

Bob you will be missed my friend! Heaven is a little happier today.
God Bless
Peter Strople

Corletto

September 27, 2011

I didn't have the pleasure of meeting Bob in person however I learned amazing fundamentals through his audio. I will always remeber his phrase "... inch by inch, it's a cinch." May his soul rest in peace, he has touched so many.

September 25, 2011

I first met Bob in 1988 but did not get to know him until 1991. I was a young guy trying to figure out how I would make a mark in the world. Bob was already in the company hall of fame. It always amazes me when I think about the fact that Bob would make time for me beyond the Monday Morning Manager's Meeting. He was so committed to mentoring and teaching. He instilled in me the need to have passion for what you do, to have a commitment to excellence, and to value the importance of team and teamwork. While I left the company 17 years ago, the lessons learned were not lost on me. I have carried what Bob taught me and applied it in every facet of my life. In multiple areas I am richer than I ever thought I would be. I have taken courses at the most respected Universities in the world, but I learned the most from Bob and his organization. I attended a business opportunity meeting in 1988 with Anne Baxter where Bob illustrated the Rule of 72, which is the most valuable math equation I have ever learned. My sympathies go out to the Safford family. I hope that they take solace in the fact that what Bob achieved in his life will impact those he touched for generations.

Rafe Rosato
Devon, PA

Carol Emanuel

September 21, 2011

I met Bob at a Fast Start School in Dalton, GA. I remember he taught about Third Party Referrals and staying fit using a rebounder! He was a great, dynamic leader and I was truly saddened to hear of his death. His legacy will live on forever through all of the people his life has touched.

Jeff Lestz

September 17, 2011

I met Bob Sr 30 years ago and he was like a second Dad to me. His family and legacy will always be special to me.

Heather Dickey

September 15, 2011

Your life was a blessing
To those both big and small
Your legacy is precious
To those you left, one and all
An ambassador for the world
And dream catcher for himself
Hard working all his life
To achieve a well deserved wealth
With discipline instilled
He knew the path to take
To create hope and inspiration
All for a difference to make
A family man for sure
Who spread humility and love
Guided by a great leader
Our Lord in Heaven above
So now he is departed home
And went the final mile
To the family and all who knew him
Its goodbye for a little while

Sincere condolescences to Barbara, Bob (Jnr), Tom, Susan, Ann and family circle. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Genistar Rep

Bruce Smith III

September 15, 2011

To Bob's entire family, Monica and I are sorry for your loss. You have our heartfelt sympathies Bob was definitely a game changer in the game of life. The short time I had the privilege of knowing Bob and learning from his incredible abilities as a great mentor have served me throughout my life. Much of my success is directly attributed to his teaching me to always being a student, and thinking big! RIP Marine!

Bridget Stup

September 13, 2011

A powerful and wonderful man who will be missed by Primerican's all over the country !! Heart felt love and compasion to his family. Bridget Stup - Office Manager - Dover, DE Office.

Bridget Stup

September 13, 2011

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Bruce & Gwenne Tempest

September 13, 2011

Like King David, Bob not only slew his Goliath as a young warrior, but through his leadership and example, inspired another generation of mighty warriors who continued to slay giants after him. May God continue to mightily bless the house of Safford!

Crystal Oliver

September 13, 2011

To the Safford Family, your loss is felt around the country. The Primerica Family is so much better for having Bob as a Member. He is sadly missed. GOD Bless...

Primerica, Home Office
Atlanta Georgia

John & Vicky Miller

September 12, 2011

The most fortunate day of my life was when Bob Safford offered me a job in 1974. I had the benefit of knowing him and working directly with him. The skills, values and techinques he taught all of us will live forever. The impact he made on people's lives can't be measured. He will live forever in the hearts and minds of those so lucky to have known him. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Safford family. John and Vicky Miller

Thomas & Shirley Itin

September 12, 2011

Bob

Bless you in the life hereafter.
A wonderful friend and business partner over many years and fellow Cornell ILR Alum!!

You were one of the best, if not the best , recruiters and trainers I ever met.

Our condolences to your entire extended family.

fondly

Tom and Shirley Itin, Dawn Itin Goode, Tim Itin and families
Orchard Lake MI

Kathy Schrage

September 11, 2011

Barbara, Bob Jr.,Tom and the Safford family our heartfelt and sincere sympathy are with you for your loss.

Bob you were a great mentor and friend. I will miss your larger than life presence in my life. I know you and Joe are guiding me from heaven. Your legacy will live on with the Safford Superstars.
God bless you my friend.
Kathy Schrage

September 10, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. A great loss to the world.

Flo Silva, Chicago, IL

Ron Green

September 10, 2011

A PFS Legend and Inspiration. Go rest now Marine. Semper Fi from a former Seabee and current Primerican. Can Do. Phil. 4:13 Our most sincere condolences.

Steven Toole

September 10, 2011

Thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are with the Safford family in memory of a great man who loved life, family and friends.

louise omotoyo

September 10, 2011

"Barbara, Tom & Leila, thanks so very much for all you do* my the Lord keep you today and always, amen

Ron & Crystal Nippes

September 10, 2011

Bob Safford will always be the person who Crystal and I remember with great admiration and respect. He was one a kind.

We were with A. L. Williams when we first met Bob. We immediately liked him. His commitment to both God and the business was evidenced by the way he lived, spoke and taught. Bob both inspired and encouraged all of us. He will be missed.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Barbara and all of the Safford family.

Ken Noble

September 10, 2011

Bob was the most influential teacher and mentor in my life. I met him from time-to-time. He will be sorely missed.
Ken Noble

Roberta & Bob Griffin

September 10, 2011

Barbara, little sister of my heart, may God send peace to you and hold Bob in the palm of His hand. Our love and thoughts are with you in a special way today.

Marilyn Toole

September 10, 2011

Bob will be sorely missed by me and my family. Condolences to all his family, especially Ann and her family.

Anne Baxter

September 10, 2011

Bob, Every day I am grateful to have known you and shared your friendship and wisdom. You are missed!!

Marjorie Suszczynski

September 10, 2011

God has blessed the Safford with a wonderful human being who has touched so many lives, including mine, with his wisdom, his love, his Grace, and his caring ways. I am Blessed to have had the privilege of having him as a friend and mentor. I am grateful for the wonderful family he has left behind to carry on his legacy. I am so sorry for his loss, but we all know he has moved on to prepare a place for us in eternity to complete the mission he began for us in this life. May God Bless the Safford Family and bring Peace to each and everyone. Bob, we will miss you ALWAYS!!

Mike Repp

September 10, 2011

The leaders we are blessed to meet in life are few and far between. When accompanied by the talent and integrity of a "Bob Safford" lives are changed. Thank you Bob! We celebrate your life and congratulate your being in a much better place, but you will be very much missed by so very many!!

September 9, 2011

My friend first and NSD second My deepest regrets go out to his family. Played golf with BOB worked on his house and he was one of the Greatest men I knew. He will be missed Vincent Riviezzo

louise omotoyo

September 9, 2011

thank you bob* your leadership and your very kind heart was the motivation for me to attend all of your training classes, because i believe that my life would change, visiting your home, lots of time talking with you ,and the dinner meeting in hawaii i look at myself differently *very thankful* thanks for caring about me for all the years and most of all for being my friend! rest in peace.

Genevieve Iplenski

September 9, 2011

Bob has been a great mentor, motivator and inspiration to thousands of people all over the world. Thank you, Bob, for your life's contribution. We love you, we will miss you and your legacy and memory will remain in our hearts.

Jeff Kirk

September 9, 2011

Bob was a great influence in my life. There are a handful of 'Bob'quotes that have been part of our house for the past 20 years and they have the same impact to this day. I am truly grateful to have known him and had the chance to learn from him. A rare leader he was.

Best wishes to Tom and Bob, Jr. and all of the Safford family as you move forward.

Scott Pittsley

September 9, 2011

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. Bob was a teacher and a friend and impacted my life in so many ways I can't begin to count. I know his work on earth has brought joy, prosperity, and happiness to anyone who knew him.

Anne Baxter

September 9, 2011

Bob Safford will always be the person who my family cherished and loved. A great believer and teacher of the Word. Bob you made the difference for so many! You will live on in our hearts forever. I am committed to being the leader you were through the teachings I learned from you. I thank you for your friendship and the courage to carry on through all adversities. You will always be my HERO!

Ronnie Ward

September 8, 2011

Barbara and Family
I was with A.L WILLIAMS BACK IN THE
80'S AND I REMEMBERED BOB AS A GREAT PERSON
HE WAS ONE OF A KIND, MY PRAYS WILL BE
WITH YOU AND THE FAMILY

pradell pompilus

September 8, 2011

So sorry to hear of such a great loss, but as Tom said... God needed him more. God bless you and rest of the family, thank your for sharing him with us.

larry Hogan

September 8, 2011

my greatest condolences to the Safford family .I only knew Bob shortly in 1986-7 when working thru his office in Devon and . he was a patron of mine and my wife's antique shop once in 1992 .He was a joyful friendly fellow and I find myself blessed to be friends and fellow congregants of his son Bob at Calvary fellowship church in Wayne .

Prissie Clayman

September 8, 2011

Barbara and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I sat with you and Bob at Rori and Gordon's engagement party. You two were people that others fell in love with from the start. I could see the happiness you both reflected off of each other and the stories you shared together. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the entire family. Bob will be missed, but his memories will never be forgotten. God Bless you during this difficult time.

Rosemary Gamburg

September 8, 2011

Barb,
We are so sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was truly, "One of a Kind." He was the consumate host and a joy to spend time with. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and his extended family. Love, Rosemary and Ed (Paoli, PA)

Neda Couzens

September 8, 2011

Barbara
Words cannot express how sad I am for you and your loss. My prayers are with you and your extended family Love, Neda

September 8, 2011

The Safford family are in our prayers, Bob had a huge impact in my Primerica success and I always remembered that the bood of Proverbs was one of his favorite books to read. It became one of my favorites as well. We love you. Ron & Arnita Hollis and the Hollis Primerica Family.

Tara Honaker

September 7, 2011

My prayers go out to the Safford Family. Bob was such an incredible person, I feel honored to have had him in my life. I learned tremendously from his many teachings.

"Your life was a blessing,
your memories a treasure.
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure!!! ?

Sheila & Hank Sorensen

September 7, 2011

Barb, Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May God bring you peace in your heart soon. Lots of love from your Florida family.

Findlay & Monk Kendrick

September 7, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara and all the Safford family and extended families. We will miss Bob.

Shelly Rosen

September 7, 2011

May God bless the Safford Family and give you the strength during this most difficult time. Bob was truly a very special person and we were so fortunate to have known him and benefited so much by his business experience and expertise. He will be greatly missed.

Will Thomas

September 7, 2011

Bob's death hit us here in Griffin, Georgia like we had lost a close relative. We loved him. He was our teacher, our mentor, our friend. He was so ALIVE, so healthy, so vital! Please know that any success we ever have in Primerica will be because of how Bob touched us and taught us. God bless you all.

Walter Peretiatko Jr

September 7, 2011

Bob i will miss you very much. You taught by your incredible testimony. You lived what you taught! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Walter Peretiatko

Rod Hausmann

September 7, 2011

Bob was my coach and my mentor and most of all my friend. He always made me feel special when we talked. He had an ability like no other to help you in any situation you experienced. Thank you Bob for everything, changing my life and my future. You will always be remembered.

Ron & Laurie Abess

September 7, 2011

How fortunate countless number of people were that Bob touched their lives with integrity, goodwill and spirituality. Bob's contribution to humanity will live on for centuries to come. What a tribute an exceptional man for a life well lived. Prayers for Bob, his loving family and friends.

Amy Dorsey

September 7, 2011

Bob... the impact you've made on me and my family is unbelievable.... you will always be an inspiration to us all... we'll miss you... The Dorsey Family

Forest Smith

September 7, 2011

May God Bless the Safford family. " The Word declares to be missing from us is to be present with the Lord" a gifted man who shared with people he didn't even know

Troy Girard

September 6, 2011

Bob Safford was someone who we all looked up to, a successful business Man, a Christian and someone who never forgot the family values. Thank you Safford family for sharing him with all of us. We will miss you Bob but your influence will continue forever.

Jon Lavin

September 6, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss! Bob Safford had and will continue to have a profound effect on my life! He was my friend and mentor for over 30 years and our relationship was growing closer by the month! He always treated me with respect and his teachings wil live with me forever! I'm committed to being the kind of leader and mentor that would make him proud! Thank you for sharing him with us and allowing him to be one of the finest leaders in American business! I know he's smiling down at us from heaven!

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1724 East Lancaster Ave, Paoli, PA 19301

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