Mr. Elwood (Ed) P. Safron

Elwood P. (Ed) Safron, 86, of Punta Gorda passed away at his home Friday, August 22, 2014 with family at his side. Ed was born March 25, 1928 in East Port Chester (Byram), Connecticut. Ed joined the Marines in 1946 and was a saxaphonist with the Second Division Marine Corp Band at Camp Lejune, NC. Upon discharge from the Marines as a Corporal, Ed attended Rhodes prep school in New York City. He then attended the University of Miami as an undergraduate and the University of Miami School of Law, where he attained his law degree. Ed met and married his wife, Barbara, while attending college.

After graduation Ed and Barbara moved to Tampa, Florida where Ed handled workers compensation cases for an insurance company. They moved to Charlotte County, Florida in 1957 and Ed joined the law firm of Leo and Frank Wotitzky. Ed worked with the Wotitzky law firm for many years at which time he also served on the School Board and was Punta Gorda City Attorney. Ed subsequently opened an independent law practice and was Prosecuting Attorney for Charlotte County. His practice grew and attorneys J. Michael Rooney and John S. Dzurak joined the firm.

Ed retired from the practice of law in 1998. He always had a love of farming, particularly citrus farming. He was actively involved in citrus farming with his sons and other partners for many years and continued to have an independent citrus grove up to the time of his death.

Ed always had a love for music. Ed assisted his wife, Barbara, with the Charlotte County Concert Band. They spent summers at their home in Brevard, NC and had many hours of enjoyment attending concerts at the Brevard Music Center in Brevard. Ed and Barbara were great supporters of the Brevard Music Center. That support was acknowledged by the Brevard Music Center with a presentation of the Distinguished Service Award and proclaiming July 4, 2013 as Barbara and Ed Safron day.

Ed was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His loving spirit will be missed by his children, Philip (Maureen) Safron, John (Bridget) Safron, grandchildren Shawn Safron, Justin (Katelyn) Safron, Alicia (Clay) Rebol, John (Bud) Gray, Kyle Safron, and Chris Safron, great-grandchildren, Evan Safron, Kayla Safron and Alivia Safron, his extended family, Peter (Jana) Kozic and Maria Biegel, numerous nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Safron, son, Gene Safron, parents, John and Susan Safron, brothers, John Safron and William Safron, and sister, Julie S. Cunningham.