Obituary of Earl Sanford

WATERBURY-Earl Downs Sanford, 91, passed peacefully Friday, July 13, 2007. Recently of Waterbury, Earl was a long time resident of both Naugatuck and Bethany. Earl was born at home on May 15, 1916, the son of Samuel and Clara Sanford. He grew up with three brothers during the difficult years of the Great Depression and World War II. The circumstances of the time led him to secure work in his mid-teens at the former Bristol Company in Waterbury. A machinist by trade, he often spoke about crafting components for World War II aircraft and for rockets and satellites in the race to space. Earl is perhaps best known by family and friends as a gentleman farmer who raised dairy and beef cattle and loved working outdoors in the midst of new born calves and his abundant garden vegetables. In his later years, he fulfilled a long time dream of building a log cabin where he lived the last part of his life. He always enjoyed the early mornings, the hard labor of clearing the land, planting shrubs and trees, and attending to the flower gardens and grounds surrounding what he referred to as his shack. Earl is survived by his wife Marjorie Beecher Sanford of Naugatuck, two sons, Earle of Bethany and Keat of Naugatuck, and three daughters, Sandra Allen and Bonnie Veillette of Naugatuck and Patricia Fowler of Milford, as well as his much-loved companion of many years, Beverley Hodgdon of Waterbury. He maintained and cherished contact with his fourteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was always attentive and present to the needs and interests of his children and grandchildren. He was at every graduation, sporting event, concert, wedding and baptism with the smile of affection and pride for the milestones of his family and friends. Earl fought a courageous battle against multiple myeloma for the past year. One of his most remarkable characteristics was his ability to find fulfillment in the present and fleeting moment whether it be the exhilaration of a motorcycle ride, perusing and reflecting on his coin collection, hunting deer in Vermont and New York State, or just relaxing in a warm bath or by the fireside at the end of a long day. A quiet man, a jack of all trades with an even and steady temperament, he always had plans on his mind, and with calm and confident steps persevered till his projects were completed. He lovingly shared his lists of things to do with family and friends. The family would like to thank the caring staff of the Harold Leever Cancer Center, as well as the attentive love and support expressed by the home and health care nurses of Vitas, Innovative Hospice Care Center. A private memorial service will be held at the Grove Cemetery in Naugatuck. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. is in charge of arrangements. Contributions can be made to the Veillette Family Recovery Fund and can be sent care of Naugatuck Valley Savings and Loan, 333 Church Street, Naugatuck, CT 06770.