THOMAS SAFFELL

1945 - 2021

THOMAS JOSEPH SAFFELL (age 75)  
Passed away peacefully at his home in Kensington, MD on May 27, 2021. Tom was born in Washington, DC on June 8, 1945 to Bernard F. and Angela (née Simone) Saffell and was raised in Tenleytown with his five siblings. He graduated from Archbishop Carroll in 1963 and served with the DC Air National Guard in the 113th Wing during the Vietnam War. A man who saw all problems as challenges, he worked as an auto mechanic, bought and sold homes, co-founded a roofing business, and eventually started his own construction contracting firm, Saffell & Associates, through which he worked for the Department of Defense for over 20 years. Devout in his Catholic faith, Tom shared a calm and steady kindness with all those he met. A blue-collar guy who loved opera and paté as much as a long ride on his custom-built motorcycle, Tom's easy-going spirit resonated with people from all walks of life. With Tom, a dinner out could easily stretch into an hours-long event, full of lively conversation, good wine, and plenty of jokes. In his later years, he was most in his element at his workbench making wooden toys or furniture for his grandson. He will be remembered for his generous heart, gregarious nature, and as the man who was always ready with a warm smile and his tool belt. Tom is survived by his wife, Margaret (née McCrae), of 48 years, his children, his adored grandson, all his siblings, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. A memorial Mass will be held in his honor at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD, on June 10, 2021 at 11 a.m. The Mass will also be live-streamed via the Church's YouTube page, www.StJohnsMass.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the canonization fund of the National Christ Child Society.