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KENNETH SAFIAN Obituary

SAFIAN--Kenneth Geisler, 83, passed away on April 9. He is survived by his loving wife, Naomi; his daughters, Nancy and Patti; step-daughters, Jackie, Wendy, and Simona; nieces and nephews, Judy, Bobby, and Tommy; his grandchildren, Juliette, Noah, Will and Mia; step-grandchildren, Sonya, Jakob, Amalia, Max, Natalie, Leo, and Charlotte; and his sons- in-law, Jonathan, Evan, Paul, and Roger. Ken was a financial analyst and asset manager who, with his partner Ken Smilen, pioneered the Dual Market Principle - the concept of breaking the equity market into growth and cyclical stocks. His analysis, prescient in its accuracy and widely read by investors, market forecasters, and lawmakers, was often cited in Barron's, New York Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. A proud graduate of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, Ken was an obsessive workaholic who often clocked 12-hour days. He worked just as hard on his family and friendships, which he valued greatly. Ken's best friend was his older brother, Chet; he also stayed in close contact with his college buddies. Ken experienced tragedy that he always carried with him: the loss of his beloved son, Billy, who was murdered in 1987 at the age of 21. Ken found solace, true love, and companionship with Naomi, his second wife, who he always said made him the luckiest person in the world. Ken's joy was spending time with his large, extended family at his home in the Berkshires. Known in the family for his storytelling and salty language, Ken would often give inspirational speeches on holidays and other family occasions. He loved sharing lessons, and always emphasized the "great, great pleasure" he got from seeing others "growing and accomplishing things in life." When discussing those who took less care in trying to deeply understand the world we live in, Ken would vociferously opine: "for cryin' out loud." Because Ken was interested in woodworking and supporting his family, we ask that donations be made to his nephew Tommy's non-profit, Refoundry (www.refoundry org/donate), that teaches furniture making skills to people who have been incarcerated. The funeral will be live-streamed at 11am on Sunday, April 12. Please follow this link https://www.wrtemple org/live-stream/. Click on the image of Westchester Reform Temple's main sanctuary.

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

Published by New York Times on Apr. 11, 2020.

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5 Entries

David McMullen

September 10, 2020

My deepest sympathies to Ken’s family. I worked for him only a short time early in my career and while I made mistakes, he was always a boss who tried to help you understand where you went wrong and pushed you to do better next time. I will always be grateful to him for taking a chance on me and bringing me into the world of finance.

Larry Sinsimer

April 24, 2020

So sorry to hear of my friend and mentors passing. I learned so much from him working for and with him many years. We shared some business triumphs and personal tragedies which he handled with grace and dignity. I have missed his council over the last few years. My deepest sympathy to Naomi and the girls.

Brian Baker

April 11, 2020

Our condolences on losing Ken. He was a wonderful man.

Lorraine Corbett

April 11, 2020

My condolences to Ken's family. He was a good boss a real friend and my mentor. I Will always remember him.

April 11, 2020

Our sincere condolences to the whole Safian family. With love,
Barbara and Ben Zelenko

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Apr

12

Funeral

11:00 a.m.

live-streamed

https://www.wrtemple org/live-stream/, NY

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