Robert Owen Safford Sr.

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 Memorial Service will be held Sat. Sept. 10, 2011 at Church of the Saviour: 651 North Wayne Ave., Wayne, PA 19087 1:30PM. 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 Arrangements with Alleva Funeral Home, Inc.