Thomas A. Szafran

Thomas A. Szafran, 64, of 296 Seaward Ave., Bradford, passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014, at his residence.

Born August 7, 1949 in Oil City, he was a son of the late Joseph and Frances (Woloszyn) Szafran.

On June 29, 1991 in the First Baptist Church, he married Geneva Szafran who survives.

Mr. Szafran was a 1967 graduate of Oil City High School and a 1971 graduate of Slippery Rock University with a degree in Health and Physical Education. While in college, he was on the cross country and track team.

He served four years in the United States Navy.

He had worked for the Oil City Chamber of Commerce and owned and operated the Ultimate Record Store in Oil City. He then worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Bradford, was a substitute teacher for the Bradford Area School District and worked at Temple Inland for ten years. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a supervisor for McKean County Children and Youth Services. He was a member of the YMCA and volunteered for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

He enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Penguins, running, biking, gardening and do-it-yourself projects. He was a history buff, loved trivia and rescued many cats over the years. His most favorite times were spent with his grandchildren.

He attended the First Baptist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Susie (Brad) Walker, of State College, and Katie Szafran, of Las Vegas, NV, two grandchildren, Dexter Walker and Nolan Walker, two brothers, James (Frances) Szafran, of High Point, NC, and Frederick (Christy) Szafran, of Oil City, a sister-in -law Laurel (Todd) Homet of Waynesburg and several nieces and nephews.

Family will be receiving friends on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main St., and again on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 from 10:00 to 11:00am in the First Baptist Church, 71 Congress Street, followed by funeral services at 11:00am with Jeremy Childs, pastor, and Rev. Leon Canfield, retired pastor co-officiating. Committal services, full military honors and burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to McKean County SPCA PO Box 113 Bradford, PA 16701 or Big Brothers and Big Sisters 110 Campus Dr., Bradford, PA 16701 or the American Heart Association 823 Filmore Ave. Erie, PA 16505. On line condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

372 East Main St • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Geneva, So sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Praying God will give you and your family much comfort today and in the weeks, months and years ahead. In the moments of great loneliness I pray you will feel the arms of your loving Father wrapped tightly around you.
— Beverly (Shuey) Hawkins

To Geneva and The Szafran Family Tom, stopped to say Hello a couple months back in Oil City. We chated about the good old days of the Ultimate Sounds and The Ultimate Choice and our mutual friend Tom King. Of the days when we crosscountryskied and took long canoe trips on the Allegheny. I'm so sorry! Suzann and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe Reinsel
— Anonymous

It was with shock and sadness that we read about Tom's passing. The last couple of times we had seen him since his retirement from CYS, he looked to happy and relaxed. Our prayers and blessings to the family. Tom worked very hard supporting our mission to keep our Grandchildren in the family and always treated us with much respect. We are so very sorry he has passed so young.
— Neena & Bill Hallock

Goodbye my friend
— Thomas Dawson

Geneva, So sorry to hear this news my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Blessings
— Melissa (Fice) Bauman

Dear Katie, we are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely
— Fred and Penny Cook

Geneva, I was so sorry to hear about Tom. I will be praying for you and your family. Rhoda
— Rhoda Colebert

Geneva and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed getting to know you both when 8 pet sit for you. My prayers are with you. I worked for Dr. Brad MacNeill.
— Sheila Passley

Geneva, My Deepest Sympathy to you, Katie and Susie. Tom was a fine man and true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories of your years together. Sincerely, Nancy Fire
— Nancy Fire

I offer my condolences to the family of Tom. Tom and I were close neighbors growing up and his home was the central point for many games and food. I particularly remember his Dad taking the whole gang to the YMCA for swimming. Tom and his family will be remembered in my heart as “good people”.
— Tom Shefchunas

We would like to extend our heart felt condolences to the entire Szafran family. Tom and I (CAROL THOMAS KRAWIEC) grew up together on the same street. May he rest in peace and blessings. Gods speed be with you all. Ted and Carol Krawiec
— Carol Krawiec

Geneva and the Szafran Family Tom stopped by and said Hello a couple on months ago in Oil City. We talked about the good old days of the Ultimate Sounds and the Ultimate Choice and our mutual friend Tom King. We use to crosscountry ski and take long canoe trips on the Allegheny. I'm so sorry. Suzann and I would like to express our sympathy to all. God bless !!! Joe Reinsel
— Joe Reinsel

Geneva, So saddened by the sad nnews of the sudden passing of your precious husband. May God give you much comfort and strength in the days and weeks ahead. Our love and thoughts and prayers. Paul & Nellene Drake
— Paul & Nellene Drake

I can not believe that Tom is gone. I had just talked with Tom 2 weeks ago at the courthouse and he was so relaxed and retired. I met Tom when we worked for a couple years at Allegheny Particleboard and also at the county. He was a positive influence on the kids and the workers at CYS. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.
— Cliff Lane

Geneva, Susie, & Katie, So sorry for your loss. We're thinking about all of you during this very difficult time. Prayers coming your way. Bill & Terri Smith Leven & Jenn Smith
— Terri Smith Leven

Geneva, please know that we all are thinking and praying for you during this time. David
— David Miller

Geneva and family, I am so sorry your loss. Tom was a very important man in my life and was a very important role model for me growing up. He was always very patient and thoughtful when asked his opinion about one thing or another. But most of all he was a great big brother who treated us all as family. I will miss him. God Bless Rich
— Rich Unferdorfer

Geneva, You have my deepest sympathies - so unexpected. Sally Boyer let me know.
— Betty Detwiler

My thoughts and prayers to the Safran family. Tom was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed.
— Kelly Lathrop

Condolences

  • Geneva, So sorry to hear about your husband's passing. Praying God will give you and your family much comfort today and in the weeks, months and years ahead. In the moments of great loneliness I pray you will feel the arms of your loving Father wrapped tightly around you.

    — Beverly (Shuey) Hawkins
  • To Geneva and The Szafran Family Tom, stopped to say Hello a couple months back in Oil City. We chated about the good old days of the Ultimate Sounds and The Ultimate Choice and our mutual friend Tom King. Of the days when we crosscountryskied and took long canoe trips on the Allegheny. I'm so sorry! Suzann and I will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Joe Reinsel

    — Anonymous
  • It was with shock and sadness that we read about Tom's passing. The last couple of times we had seen him since his retirement from CYS, he looked to happy and relaxed. Our prayers and blessings to the family. Tom worked very hard supporting our mission to keep our Grandchildren in the family and always treated us with much respect. We are so very sorry he has passed so young.

    — Neena & Bill Hallock
  • Goodbye my friend

    — Thomas Dawson
  • Geneva, So sorry to hear this news my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Blessings

    — Melissa (Fice) Bauman