Joseph H. Safyan
January 27, 2015

SAFYAN, JOSEPH H, 88.: Suddenly on Tuesday, January 27, 2015; Beloved husband of Martha Printz Safyan for over 63 years. Loving father of Ilene Safyan Rosenberg (Dr. Mark Rosenberg), Dr. Eric Safyan (Dr. Susan Safyan) and Linda Safyan Holber (Dr. Thomas Holber). Brother of the late Madeline (late Harry) Miller, the late Esther Safyan (late Dr. Solomon) Abrams. Cherished Grandfather of Arielle and David Rosenberg, Rachael, Michael and Joshua Safyan and Julia, Jessica and Andrea Holber.  Joseph Safyan, the son of Israel and Eva Safyan, was born on July 9, 1926 and was a lifelong Pittsburgher. He grew up on Darlington Road in Squirrel Hill, attended Wightman School, graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School (Class of '44) and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1948.  At Pitt, he was a proud member of Phi Epsilon Pi fraternity and a photographer for the university's yearbook, the Pitt Owl.  An avid photographer with his own studio, he was known for his portraiture work and careful hand retouching, he was asked to photograph events on both Pitt and CMU campuses including budding starlets such as Barbara Feldon.  He began working at Harry H. Marcus Company in 1958 which he purchased and renamed Marcus Kitchens in 1961.  As President and a certified kitchen designer (CKD), he grew the business into a regional distribution center, becoming a leading manufacturer's representative for Wood-Mode Cabinetry and a distributor for Scheirich and Allmilmo cabinetry and related appliances.  He established a network of over thirty kitchen dealers in the tri-state area.  Countless homes, condominiums and apartment complexes throughout the region benefited from his designs, commitment to customer service, dedication and business acumen for almost 45 years. Joe was a man with an eye for detail, and during college, was a wedding photographer. He met the love of his life Martha when he was photographing a wedding and she, the Rabbi's daughter, sat at his table. He was always able to appreciate the beauty of life and to capture it through the lens of his many, many cameras in a vast collection accumulated since childhood..  He loved people; loved to put them at ease, loved learning their stories and was known for the many questions he asked.  He never forgot a joke - and was a great story and joke teller with an excellent delivery.  His stories were always told with a self-deprecating humor that revealed the great kindness and warmth in his heart.  Joe loved music, never forgot the words to a song, and was always the first one to start the family singing on long car trips.  He loved animals and always loved being around them.  He had a special affinity for birds and his ability to whistle and directly communicate to them was a source of awe to those who witnessed it. He fiercely loved his family and they were the great focus of his life. His wife and their daily walks, his kids, their spouses, and his grandkids were never far from his words or his thoughts.  He always was the person who asked questions to draw out the quiet person-always done gently and with authentic curiosity. Joe knew how to make everyone comfortable. Above all else, he was committed and dedicated to his wife, whom he adored, and his children, their spouses, and grandchildren.  He was, of all things, a teacher - always guiding, advising, sharing wisdom, encouraging achievement and always with sensitivity, kindness, humor and great insight.  There are no words to describe the level to which he will be missed. He was adored, cherished, beloved. He was an integral part of our lives and we loved him deeply for all that he was, all that he is and all that he gave so generously. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dedicated to Israel and Jewish causes, he was a lifelong member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, where his father was a founder, and a long-time board member of the Hebrew Institute and the Jewish Assistance Fund. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday at 2:45 PM. NO PRIOR VISITATION. Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. www.schugar.com

Condolences

Our deepest sympathy to your family at this very sad time. May you be comforted by your many wonderful memories.