New York, New York
A Passion for the Lions
Tara Neelakantappa introduced Brock J. Safronoff to classical music; his compact disc collection quickly surpassed hers. She turned him on to reading on the loftier side of Stephen King, and he packed Kafka in their honeymoon suitcase.
"I would introduce him to something and before I knew it he was telling me everything about it," said the woman who on Aug. 4 became Mrs. Safronoff.
There was one passion that consumed Mr. Safronoff, 26, long before his freshman year at Amherst College, when he and his future wife were physics lab partners. It was his devotion to the Detroit Lions, which stemmed from his upbringing in Traverse City, Mich., and which required the strength to withstand continual heartbreak, said Michael A. Cohen, a friend and fellow fan.
Their friendship was based on a shared fantasy that the Lions would one day make it to the Super Bowl. When they met to watch games at an Upper East Side bar, they rarely discussed work.
Mr. Cohen, in fact, had forgotten Mr. Safronoff worked as a computer programmer at Marsh & McLennan. "I had to look up on his wedding announcement where it was that he worked," Mr. Cohen said. "I remember now that he told me he had this great view."
I lived down the street from you. You took a lonely kid new to the school home with you after school one day. Although we didn't become close friends I never forgot your kindness!
My daughter is 7 now and asked me about 9/11. I told her about you and your kind act to her Dad at a tuff time in his life! Showed her your year book photo.... I will never forget you!
Philip Zimmerman
April 21, 2013 | Fort Collins, CO
I'm so sorry I never met you, Brock. It sure sounds like you were a wonderful young man!
Dawna Palmer
September 12, 2010 | Gaylord, MI
Brock was one of the most stand-up guys I've ever known. I am proud he was my high school baseball teammate and friend. He touched many lives, and I wish his family well. I will never forget him or what happened on 9/11. May we continue to fight against the tyranny that haunts innocence and freedom.
Jimmy Jorgenson
September 11, 2010 | Gaylord, MI
Brock was a wonderful person and a great friend to many. We were friends all through high school and I still miss his smile and laughter. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family, he will always have a special place in our hearts.
Nicole Gray-Mitchell
September 11, 2008 | Birmingham, AL
Remembered By
Elizabeth Saylor
September 02, 2007 | Brooklyn, NY
I want to see to it that the Traverse City Trojan baseball program never forgets about you Brock. I remember you pumping your fist after getting out of a bases loaded, nobody out jam against Bay City Western in the 1992 district championship game. I remember vividly catching your Greg Maddux-esque 70 pitch, 57 strike complete game against Sault. Ste Marie in '93. More importantly, I remember what a great representative you were of your school and your community. You won't be...
David Gerhardt
July 05, 2007 | Chicago, IL
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
kristine
May 04, 2007 | Tecumseh, MI
In remembrance....
P Tabbernor
February 28, 2007 | Victoria, BC
I was going through some boxes the other day and found a picture of Brock and I walking back from the bullpen together at Midland High I think. I was, in my usually seriuos way, wearing my catchers mit on my head and having a good laugh. Brock was kind of looking at me as if to say "I think this guy's a little crazy..." Fun moment!
I always enjoyed playing ball with Brock and remember some great games that he pitched. People sometimes underestimated him on the mound, but he was a...
Nate Glidden
January 26, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
