Joseph Frank Safranek

NEWBURY - Joseph Frank Safranek Jr., 83, a veteran and longtime resident of Newbury VT., passed away peacefully with his sisters by his side on February 10, 2024. Joe, as he was known by locals in the area, was born on March 1, 1941, to Joseph Sr. & Irene Safranek (Wojcik), in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. He attended Good Shepherd Grade School & Holy Trinity (all boys) catholic High School in Chicago before enlisting in the US Air Force. Joe served overseas in Pforzheim, Germany and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1965. Joe was recognized for his service with numerous military awards and medals. Joe continued serving, joining the New Haven Police Department as a patrolman in 1969 and retiring in 1993 as a detective. Joe was a S.W.A.T. Team member, firearms expert and dedicated homicide detective who never gave up and continued working unsolved cases including articles on the assignation of JFK until his passing.

After retiring from the police force in Conn., Joe began living full-time in VT. He continued with his passion to serve, never giving up work on his cold cases and occasionally providing his professional services to local law enforcement. He loved the outdoors hunting and fishing with family and friends. Joe always gave back to the local community whether it was teaching the local hunters safety course or raising money for various Veteran causes. Joe was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sr. and Irene Safranek and sister Janis Safranek. He is survived by his son Stephen Morse of Oxnard, Ca. and daughter Sheryl Morse of Geer, SC.- grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters: Carolyn Torrance of NY, Sharon Safranek of Ill., and Annette Krupinski of Ind.- Brother in laws: Art Torrance and John Krupinski as well as numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family has organized a memorial service to honor Joe's life and military services, which will be held at Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, VT., on June 9, 2025, at 11 am in the chapel. He will be buried with full military honors. A reception will be held afterwards at the VFW Post 790, 527 US-302, East Barre, VT 05649. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the VFW.

Arrangements are in the care of Hale Funeral Home, 187 Upper Plain in Bradford.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.halefuneralhomes.com