1934
Howard
2016
Howard A. Safstrom
November 15, 1934 — October 23, 2016
Life Legacy
Howard A. Safstrom, 81, died peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2016 following a 14 year battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. He was born in Greenfield, a son of the late Aldo G. and Olga V. (Anderson) Safstrom.Howard was raised in Athol and graduated from Athol High School and American International College, Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in Management. Following his graduation, Howard enlisted in the US Army, where he proudly served in the 102nd Signal Battalion for the next two years. Upon his return, Howard entered the business world, first working with the former Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank, and then in the accounting department in the Bonded Abrasives Division of the Norton Company, where he spent his next 30 years before retiring in 1995. Being active in the community was important to Howard. He was a faith-filled member of Zion Lutheran Church in Worcester where he served on numerous boards and as a lector, communion assistant, usher and choir member. As a member of the Swedish community, he promoted and honored his Scandinavian heritage throughout Worcester County, serving as a board member of the Swedish Cemetery Corporation, the Worcester Swedish Charitable Association, the Quinsigamond Lodge of the VASA Order of America and the National Swedish Federation. He also was a member of the National Association of Accountants and a former member of the Greendale Kiwanis Club, Worcester. Howard leaves his beloved wife of 53 years, Cynthia M. (Ribb) Safstrom; his two children, Lynn M. Wiinikka and her husband, Scot of Rutland and Rev. Karen B. Safstrom of Holden. He was also the proud papa of his two grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Wiinikka. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Howard’s family on Wednesday, October 26, from 4-7 pm at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 27, with a service at 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or leave an online message of condolence for the family, please sign the guestbook on this page.
Howard A. Safstrom, 81, died peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2016 following a 14 year battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. He was born in Greenfield, a son of the late Aldo G. and Olga V. (Anderson) Safstrom.Howard was raised in Athol and graduated from Athol High School and American International College, Springfield with a Bachelor of Science in Management. Following his graduation, Howard enlisted in the US Army, where he proudly served in the 102nd Signal Battalion for the next two years. Upon his return, Howard entered the business world, first working with the former Worcester Five Cents Savings Bank, and then in the accounting department in the Bonded Abrasives Division of the Norton Company, where he spent his next 30 years before retiring in 1995. Being active in the community was important to Howard. He was a faith-filled member of Zion Lutheran Church in Worcester where he served on numerous boards and as a lector, communion assistant, usher and choir member. As a member of the Swedish community, he promoted and honored his Scandinavian heritage throughout Worcester County, serving as a board member of the Swedish Cemetery Corporation, the Worcester Swedish Charitable Association, the Quinsigamond Lodge of the VASA Order of America and the National Swedish Federation. He also was a member of the National Association of Accountants and a former member of the Greendale Kiwanis Club, Worcester. Howard leaves his beloved wife of 53 years, Cynthia M. (Ribb) Safstrom; his two children, Lynn M. Wiinikka and her husband, Scot of Rutland and Rev. Karen B. Safstrom of Holden. He was also the proud papa of his two grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Wiinikka. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Howard’s family on Wednesday, October 26, from 4-7 pm at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 27, with a service at 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester. Burial will follow in All Faiths Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Zion Lutheran Church, 41 Whitmarsh Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606. To share a memory or leave an online message of condolence for the family, please sign the guestbook on this page.
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