George Paul Saffa, Jr., much loved community member and local business owner, passed away with his wife by his side at their home on Sunday, April 17th. George had spent the past few years battling pancreatic cancer, during which time he refused to stay out of tall trees, allow his car to go unwashed, or let his daughter beat him in racquetball. Defiant to the end, nothing would interfere with him getting this year's tomato plants in the ground.

George was born on May 28th, 1947 to George Paul Saffa, Sr. and Lorice Mary Shamas in Cushing, Oklahoma. He graduated from Bishop Kelley High School in 1965 where he was involved in various athletic activities, including the school's first cross country team. In 1972, shortly after completing his pharmacy degree from the University of Oklahoma, he opened Saffa Pharmacy, which continues to operate to this day. Other business ventures over the years included Freedom Hospice and Saffa Infusion Pharmacy. He bled crimson and cream throughout them all, but he also supported all local and state universities.

George married Rita Katherine Ray in 1978 and they had a daughter, Sarah Nicole Saffa, in 1985. George later married Mary Katherine Buchan (maiden name Lindberg) on October 11th, 1999 in the presence of close friends. They renewed their vows on September 19th, 2015 at St. Therese Catholic Church before friends and family.

George will continue to live on through his wife, daughter, siblings, and all who loved him. Services in celebration of George's life will be held Saturday, April 30th, at 1 p.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church (8315 S. 107th E. Ave. in Tulsa). A reception will follow. Please bring your favorite stories about George, and, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or the H8Cancer Foundation. George followed advances within cancer research closely and often mentioned a desire for his experiences with this disease to aid others in the future.