Emily Elizabeth Safko

SAFKO, Emily E. of St. Petersburg, FL, died peacefully on November 4th at home in her husband's arms, surrounded by her family. Born May 19, 1932, in West Palm Beach, FL, eldest daughter of J. Fred and Emily (Marshall) Narup, Emily was a fourth-generation descendant of the Sellers family of Marion County. After the family moved to Miami, FL, she graduated from Miami Edison High School, where she met her future husband, Kenneth Safko. She attended the University of Florida followed by working as a secretary for 20 years to aid her husband's extended years of formal education while raising their family. She worked as a Department Secretary at the University of Florida College of Business and later the College of Medicine, followed by years as an executive secretary for Otis Engineering of Dallas, Texas. She then assisted her husband as the office business manager in his medical practice for over 30 years. 

Emily participated in several social and medical organizations, belonging to the Pinellas County Medical Auxiliary, All Children's Hospital Guild, the former Lakewood Country Club, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, The Vinoy Club and Elk River Club (N.C.). Emily personified the qualities of grace, class, and devotion and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She fully enjoyed her family, friends and world travel. She enjoyed tennis and golf and participated in Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the St. Raphael Catholic Church. 

Emily was preceded in death by her parents Emily and John Fred Narup, brother Fred Ronald Narup, sister Kathleen Pfaff, and brother-in-law Richard Calvert. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 73 years, Dr. Kenneth, daughter Susan (Thom) Swanson of St. Petersburg, son Kenneth Mark (Debbie) of St. Petersburg, grandson LTC Blake (Daniela) Safko and their children Madeline Elizabeth, Hudson Horst, and Evelyn Renee; grandson Derek (Alejandra) Safko and their son Matteo Kenneth; (step)granddaughter Brooke Wilkie; (step)grandson Micheal (Rebecca) Daharsh and their children Isla, Atlas, and Asher Daharsh; sister Dianne Calvert of Port St. Lucie, FL.; brother-in-law Dan Pfaff of St. Augustine, FL; brother-in-law Andrew (Andrea) Safko of St. Petersburg, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. The family thanks Emily’s longtime caregivers Barbara Evans, Honesty Cainion and Doris Camis for their devoted and loving attention to Emily’s needs. The family will receive friends at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1376 Snell Isle Blvd. NE on Friday, November 15th from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church following visitation. Interment will be private at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation, 1200 7th Ave. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33705, or the charity of your choice.