bad news

This exhibit at Darien Library will be a display of the work that Safwat does in his spare time: photographing subjects of personal interest.

I am just glad I was able to film Samir Sawat. I had no idea he would die. But, I could only sense it might have been close. Samir Safwat and I, Darrin Andrew La Morte., spent the evening together after the filming of the show. We watched the movie: 'The Lifes of Others'. That was my last visit with Samir Safwat. We did not have dinner, but I am just glad I was able to capture him so the rest of the world can see his love for taking beautiful images, photographs. Samir Safwat's love for flowers shines through in this eposide. CRYING! Samir Safwat, a long-time Darien resident, died Thursday, Jan. 10, after a long battle with cancer. He was 65.

Born in Berkeley, Calif., on April 24, l942, Mr. Safwat lived in Egypt and Sweden before returning to the U.S. after graduating from high school in Sweden.

He graduated from Adelphi University with a degree in music, after which he apprenticed to a fashion photographer in New York City and evenutally opened his own studio, working for the New York Times and Mademoiselle, among others.

After some time, he returned to music and performed as a jazz pianist, performing solo and in groups. He also taught piano for many years in New York City and Connecticut.

He recently exhibited his photographs in the Darien Library.

He is survived by his mother, Cfiv Safwat, and a brother, Omar Safwat, both of Darien.

He was predeceased by his father, Mostafa Safwat.

Donations in Mr. Safwat’s name may be made to Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, 34 Maple St., Norwalk, CT 06856.