John Loren Safko Sr., 77, of Columbia, beloved Distinguished Professor Emeritus, died June 15, 2016. Born in San Francisco, he received a degree in Physics at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Chapel Hill. He brought his bride, Peggy Jean Safko, to Columbia to begin his distinguished career of 38 years in Physics and Astronomy at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Safko created and maintained an innovative self-paced astronomy program and study guide which flourished for more than 30 years. John was very active in the Southern Atlantic Coast Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers and the S. C. Academy of Science, which enabled outreach to high-school teachers and students, especially in South Carolina. He was a published author and co-author of both astronomy and physics research books. Dr.Safko loved his students and often had 500 enrolled students in a semester. John was an avid participant and contributor to the local arts and science community. He was a loving husband and father with a great sense of humor and a kind heart.

In addition to his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his daughter Tanya Safko Dooley; son, John Loren Safko, Jr.; daughters, Cynthia Scott, Robin Scott, and Vickie S. Dickinson; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 2 o'clock, Friday, June 24th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.