With great sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Joseph Y. Safra
Basel, 10 December 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the death, on this date, of Mr. Joseph Y. Safra, at the age of
82, of natural causes.
Mr. Safra was born in 1938 in Lebanon and immigrated to Brazil in the 60’s continuing his father’s
business and building the solid foundations of the J. Safra Group.
In 1969, he married Vicky Sarfaty, with whom he had 4 children and 14 grandchildren. A very
affectionate husband and father, he was always caring for everyone. He loved to play with his
grandchildren, always telling stories of his ancestors, transmitting moral values, tradition and culture.
He was a loving and insightful man, who dedicated his life to family, friends, business and social
causes. He was a great banker, a true entrepreneur who built the J. Safra Group around the world, being
successful for his dignity and business vision. He was a great leader and very respected inside and
outside the organization.
Mr. Safra has lived an exemplary and reserved life, without ostentation and far from the public
exposure.
Throughout his life he was an arts lover and a great philanthropist, always committed to maintaining
the tradition of devotion to worthy causes, one of his distinctive marks. He has helped many people
and supported countless social, religious and cultural causes, such as the construction and renovation
of hospitals, day care centres, museums and religious temples of all faiths. He had a great responsibility
to society. He led with courage, wisdom and determination. He cultivated deep roots of altruism,
commitment and excellence.
Mr. Safra leaves a legacy to be followed by many generations. To family and friends, he leaves his
teachings and will be deeply missedBasel,
