William "Bill" N. Safford, Sr.

Age 90, of Gainesville NY passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at home surrounded by family.

William was born in Warsaw on August 13, 1934, son of the late Cardinal and Mildred Campbell Safford.

William loved and lived in the cabin he built with logs that were harvested from the property and cut on his own sawmill. The family have many campfire stories and memories playing in the “pines” dating back to the early 1970's.

After serving in the Army from 1954-1956 he worked many jobs and was well known for his own business Safford Electric Motors in Nunda. Other jobs included Agway, Lapp Insulators, Medina Power Inc, and most recent Gainesville Highway Supt.

William was a talented guitarist playing in many country bands over several decades, known for his steel guitar music in the later years.

Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his daughter Debra Boxler and a sister Patricia Mayer.

William leaves behind his wife Shirley Sharman Safford. A sister Beverly Scritchfield of Tennessee and brother in law Peter Mayer of Warsaw. His children with first wife Avis Schoff Wilcox, daughters Sherry (Hans Boxler) Walton, Amy (Alan) Roth, son William N Safford, Jr. Eleven grandkids and twelve great grandkids. Also step children, Jay (Laurie) Sharman, Robert (Donald) Sharman, and Debbie Sharman.

Private burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Pike, with the immediate family, at a future date.