Donald Leonard Saffer

1946 - 2024

Donald "Don" Saffer, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished member of the Tucson community, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 78. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Don moved with his family to Westchester, California, at the age of 11. It was in Westchester that his love for basketball began to flourish, setting the stage for a lifetime of achievement both on and off the court.

A talented athlete, Don's passion for basketball led him to play under the legendary coach John Wooden at UCLA during the 1960s. As a guard for the Bruins, Don was a key contributor to the team's remarkable legacy, helping them win national championships in 1967, 1968, and 1969. His time at UCLA was a defining chapter in his life, blending athletic achievement with lifelong lessons that shaped his character.

After graduating from UCLA, Don met the love of his life, Susan Rae Saffer, in Westwood. The two shared a relationship marked by love, laughter, and a deep bond that sustained them through decades of life together. Together, they created a vibrant and loving family, raising four children: Jonathan, Jeffrey (Amanda), Michael (Marci), and Danielle.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, in 2008, and his parents, Rudolph and Bernice Saffer. He is survived by his children, his ten grandchildren: Elizabeth, Emily, Samuel, Scott, Alexis, Paul, Rainey, Rudy, Susannah, and Solomon; as well as his loving sister, Shirley, and her husband, Joseph, whom Don considered a brother. The Saffer family was deeply involved in the Tucson Jewish community, and Don and Susan were long-time supporters of Temple Emanu-El.

Professionally, Don earned a Master's degree in Education from the University of Southern California (USC), which laid the foundation for his future in education. After moving with his family to Tucson in 1979, Don pursued various entrepreneurial ventures, including owning and operating a gym, a bar/nightclub, and frozen yogurt shops. Though these endeavors were successful, Don ultimately found his true calling in education. In the early 1990s, he became the headmaster of Fenster School, where he spent two decades shaping the lives of students and fostering a nurturing environment for academic and personal growth. Don's leadership at Fenster transformed the school into a beacon of individualized education, impacting countless young people and their families.

Outside of his professional and family life, Don had a zest for life and a talent for bringing people together. He always had a smile and a sincere interest in the lives and stories of both friends and strangers. For decades, he participated in a weekly poker group every Monday night, where he shared laughter, friendly competition, and camaraderie with close friends.

Friends and colleagues fondly recall Don's wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in helping others achieve their potential. His life was a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the enduring bonds of family and friendship.

The family will share details of the memorial service once arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Chaverim https://www.chaverim.net/ reflecting Don's lifelong dedication to education and community enrichment.

Don Saffer's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, both as an educator and a family man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.