My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time of sorrow. Jon was a good acquaintance of mine during my days at BNI (Business Networking Mequon) where I met Jon. He was a caring individual, dedicated to his career and seeking justice. On several occasions I had the unique opportunity to do advertising for his firm, Samster, Konkel & Safran for which I was always grateful. A heckuva guy, he always did more for others than for himself. Rest in peace, Jon. It was an honor knowing you.
~ Mike Pritchard,
WI
I first met Jonathan when he was working with Patricia Larry after Darius Simmons was murdered. He was working with the family so we were spending a lot of time together. As the media swarmed around events, Patricia often asked me to speak on behalf of the family. This was all new to me and Jonathan mentored me - always patient, encouraging, and guiding.
Moving forward we kept finding our lives intersecting in the ongoing work of justice. We connected after the death of Derek Williams and again after the killing of Dontre Hamilton.
In the midst of tragedy, Jonathan held the torch of justice. In the presence of death, he worked for the living. Justice for families was tied to a pursuit of nothing less than the transformation of the city of Milwaukee.
Jonathan was a real one. He recognized that sound bites were part of his work, but it was the compassion he showed to families when the cameras were off that made such a deep impression of me. In Jewish faith there is a custom of sitting shiva - being present with a family after the death of a loved one. So often Jonathan was simply present with the family. It wasn't tied to his official responsibilities but he was simply the kind of person that would be available to offer support in impossible situations.
He had a profound impact on me. I pray for his family to be surrounded with comfort as he did so often for others. May light perpetual shine on him and may he rest in peace.
~ Rev. Steve Jerbi,
Lana'i City, HI
Dear Dawn and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Jon's passing. We knew he had been ill but hoped he might have some more time. We have such fond memories of the two of you. Jon was, plain and simple, one of the great guys - humble, self-effacing, kind, thoughtful - with a dry, quick wit that we all loved. His passing is a loss to the world. We send much love to you and family at this time. We, and the many others whose lives he touched, shall miss him greatly.
~ Lawrence & Hillary Levy,
Palo Alto, CA
I just heard about Jon's passing today. So sorry to hear this. I was a freelance court reporter in Milwaukee for 7 years. Jon was a very kind person. I always enjoyed having depositions with him. My prayers are with your family.
~ Andrea Reichle,
Pinedale, WY
What a wonderful and exemplary man!!! A true role model and kind soul. My deepest and sincerely condolences to Jon’s family and loved ones?? He will be missed??
~ Dynami Al-Anjeri,
Mequon, WI
My deepest sympathies to the Safran family. I had the privilege to work with and know Jon for many years in the Mequon-Thiensville community. You always knew you were doing the right thing in anything you worked with Jon on. He was a unique man of character, integrity and strength. We served together as co-chairs of the Government Relations Committee and I had the honor of following him after his year as the Chamber of Commerce president. As a fellow Eagle Scout, we always had great stories to share about camping and bringing our kids up with strong values and character. May God bless the Safran family.
~ Tim Vertz,
Mequon, WI
I am so sorry to hear the news about Jon. I was honored to call him a friend. He advised me on several school board elections and I worked with him on the Chamber. He always had a smile, great advice and a warm hug for everyone!!! He will be missed by so many lives that he touched in so many ways. He was a man of ethics, integrity, family and community. My condolences go out to all of his family.
~ Mary E Cyrier,
Mequon, WI
