In loving memory of
Donald B. Safford

• November 20, 1938
• -
• May 27, 2022

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Lieutenant Colonel Donald B. Safford, United States Regular Army (Retired)
beloved husband of Joan Burd Safford, died on May 27, 2022. He succumbed to
the long term effects of Agent Orange exposure while serving in Viet Nam.
Don, born on November 20, 1938, was the son of the late Whitney D. and Janis
(Bailey) Safford. He was a product of the Burlington, Vermont school system,
graduating from Edmunds (Burlington) High School in1956. During those years he
earned his Eagle Scout rank in Larry Dean’s Troop one, co-captained the ski team,
and was Boy Scout Mayor For a Day.
Donald married the former Annette Normandeau in Burlington in 1958. They
raised 3 sons, (Paul, Douglas, and Charles) and 2 daughters (Claire Tuite and
Norma Manning), all of whom have survived him.
Don earned his BS in 1960 and Master’s Degree in 1974 (Political Science), both
from the University of Vermont (UVM). He served over twenty years on active
duty including two years combat duty in Vietnam where he participated in eight
campaigns including the TET Offensive in 1968 and the Easter Offensive in 1972.
His military awards included the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Airborne Wings,
Ranger Tab, three Bronze Stars, Five Air medals, three Army Commendation
medals and the Meritorious Service medal. He was an Honor Graduate from the
Command and General Staff College.
After retirement from the service, Donald returned to Vermont and, in 1985,
became the Director of Physical Plant at Champlain College until 2000. He had
the privilege of overseeing the renovation of nineteen historic Hill Section
buildings, former homes which he used to deliver newspapers to when he was a
boy.
Following his 2nd retirement he divided his time between South Hero, Vermont
and Vero Beach, Florida. Following his divorce In 2012 he married the former
Joan R. Burd. They were based in central Florida and traveled until Don’s health
prevented it. Don’s final move was to Indian River Colony Club in Viera, Florida in
a home and community that he loved. He was unconditionally loved and missed.
There will be no public services and internment will be private.