July 22, 2025, 67, Goldsboro —-
Douglas Paul Safford, age 67, passed away in his home in Goldsboro, NC, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Doug was born in Crenshaw County, Alabama on October 29, 1957, and moved to Worcester with his family when he was 3 years old. In Worcester, Doug was a legend in basketball and football. What some may not know, is that he also played baseball. At Holy Name Central Catholic High School, he was part of the 1973 winning state championship men’s basketball team. Doug went on to continue his athletic career in football and basketball at Nichol’s College, as well as in numerous adult men’s leagues, and with the Brotherhood Flag Football team.
Doug worked for many years at Wyman Gordon Company as an inspector until retiring and moving to North Carolina where he could focus on his passion for golf. On the golf course, Doug continued to excel as an athlete with numerous accolades over the years. His most frequented course was the Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course which he conveniently lived around the corner from. Doug loved music, dancing, sports, and politics, but most of all, he loved his family.
Doug is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Safford, Andrea Safford, Natasha Waller, and his son, Douglas Safford, all of Worcester, MA; his daughter, Lexie Safford-Sanchez of Gilbert, SC; his daughter, Ariana Safford of Raleigh, NC; his son, Adrian Safford of Columbia, SC; and his daughter, Carmelita Snyder of Pittsburgh, PA. Doug was the youngest of his siblings and is survived by his sister, Jennett Collins of Goldsboro, NC; his brother, John Safford, and sister, Wiilie Faye Safford, of Kinston, NC; his sister, Pauline Gassaway, of DeSoto, Texas; his brother, Marvin Safford, of Burlington, VT; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved friends. Doug is also survived by his loving companion, Donna Campanele, of Worcester, MA, and her family.
Doug is predeceased by his mother, Missie Safford; brothers, Nathan, and Lonnie Safford; sisters, Sarah Safford, Mary Toney, and Texanna Simpkins; and daughter, Katrina Waller.
Doug made his final wishes known and therefore his final resting place will be near the golf course (his happy place). “Outie, Peace!”
A memorial service for his North Carolina family and friends will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Haskins Funeral Home, 601 E. Ash St., Goldsboro, NC 27530. Fellowship will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by the service at 5:00 p.m.
A celebration of life for his Worcester family and friends will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Vernon Hill American Legion Post 5, 267 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01607.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Douglas Safford to local youth sports programs. You may choose one in your own community, or consider supporting one of the following organizations that Doug cared about deeply: McClain’s Training Method, Inc. (MTM), Friendly House, the Boys & Girls Club, and No Excuse Produce.
