Elwood P. Safron

March 25, 1928 - August 22, 2014

Elwood P. (Ed) Safron, 86, of Punta Gorda passed away at his home Friday, August 22, 2014 with family by his side. Ed was born March 25, 1928 in East Port Chester (Byram), Connecticut. Ed joined the Marines in 1946 and was a saxophonist with the Second Division Marine Corps Band at Camp Lejeune, 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 an undergraduate and the University of Miami Law, where he attained his law degree. While attending college Ed met and married his wife, Barbara. After graduation Ed and Barbara moved to Tampa, Florida where He handled workers compensation cases for an insurance company. They moved to Charlotte County in 1957 and Ed joined the law firm of Leo and Frank Wotitzky. He 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 for Charlotte County. Ed retired from the practice of law in 1998. He always had a love of 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 have a love for music. Ed assisted his wife, Barbara, with the Charlotte County Concert Band. They spent summers at their home in Brevard, NC. 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.