Richard Lee Saffol

Richard Lee Saffol, 65, loving husband, devoted Christian Scientist, and cherished friend to all, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, in Ocala, Florida. He was predeceased by his father, Clarence Edward Saffol, and his mother, Martha Louise Evener. He leaves behind Stephen J Sekac Jr, husband, whose life he forever enriched with love and spirituality, sister Ruth Ann McClellan (Gene) of Newark, Ohio, niece Kathy (Geoff) Romano of Newark, Ohio, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. Rik was born on July 19, 1959, in Nelsonville, Ohio, and grew up in Chauncey, Ohio, and later in Moundsville, West Virginia. He graduated from John Marshall High School in 1977 and went to work for the Five and Dime retail store G.C. Murphy, where he became one of the youngest managers they had. He then obtained a degree in cosmetology and worked in Indiana and Savannah, Georgia. In 1997, in Savannah, Rik met his future life partner, Stephen Sekac, who was serving in the U.S. Army. They transferred to the Carlisle, PA, area, where Rik opened an antique business and went from a single booth to doing 32 shows on the road per year. In 2002, he moved back to Savannah to run Southern Gents Antiques for 18 years. In 2020, they retired and moved to Ocala, Florida. Rik loved traveling, reading books, playing bridge, and supporting church. Rik was very spiritual and expressed a personal connection with people and animals throughout his life. He was intuitively sensitive and left a lasting impression on everyone he knew. His interest in religion was founded by the guidance and love provided from his grandmother, Mabel Verity and her twin sister May. Rik began his study of Christian Science in Indiana, and it became the foundation of his life. He studied daily and filled many church positions throughout the years. He was a member of Christian Science Churches in Mishawaka and South Bend, Indiana, Savannah, Georgia and Ocala, Florida. He was also a member of the Christian Science Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts. Rik enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing bridge, reading, working in church, traveling, and caring for Yorkies George, Marcus, and Max and numerous cats (favorites Delphine and Buddy). He was a descendant of Roger Conant (New England Colonist) and a member of the First Families of Ohio, and he enjoyed researching and sharing family history. Reflecting back on Rik’s life we know his spirit lives on and we cherish the memories of his spiritual loving care that enriched the lives of everyone he met. Graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Nelsonville, Ohio. Contact the Jagers & Sons Funeral Home website in Athens, Ohio, for details. Memorial contributions may be made to First Church, Christ Scientist, 209 SE 36th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471.

Richard Lee Saffol

July 19, 1959 - August 26, 2024