Vincent Florian "Vinnie" Safner

Salem, NY-Vincent Florian Safner, “Vinnie,” 66, of Salem, NY passed away on Saturday, March 26 in his home surrounded by loving family. He was born in Stafford CT, son of the late Florian and Magdalen (Weber) Safner. 

Vinnie was passionate about aviation and caring for his family.

He worked in corporate aviation for 43 years at United Technologies Corp. UTFlight, beginning in 1977 as a mechanic, and retiring in 2020 as Director of Maintenance.

In his free time, he was an avid radio control airplane hobbyist, and an active member of many RC clubs, notably Tobacco Valley Fliers in South Windsor, Northern Connecticut RC Club, and Wintonbury Flying Club. Vinnie was an expert builder, flier, and especially enjoyed teaching others to fly. 

Vinnie loved spending time outdoors, including cycling along the Farmington Valley Rail Trail, and helping his wife garden and turn their backyard into an edible paradise.  

A dedicated family man, he was very proud of his children and was looking forward to spending a quiet retirement in the countryside of Salem, NY. Vinnie and his wife had recently moved there from their longtime home in West Suffield, CT.

Vinnie is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Trish (Keefe) Safner; his son, Ryan and his wife Elana; his daughter Victoria (“Tori”); his grandson Miles Safner; three siblings, the late Peter Safner and his wife Jacqueline (Finch), Monica Collette and her husband Bill, and Florian Safner, his husband Dana Sasse and Christopher Stauffer; and several nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to thank Tracy, Karen, and Chaplain Mike at Community Hospice for their excellent and compassionate care. 

Family and friends may gather for visiting hours on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 11 am at the Fellowship Hall at Copper Hill United Methodist Church in East Granby, CT. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on site, with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208. 

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