John J. Sanford
John Joseph Sanford passed away peacefully on June 18th, 2024 at Mountainside Residential Facility surrounded by his family. John was born in New Kingston, NY on June 18th, 1933 to Myron and Lucy Sanford. The Sanford family were longtime residents of Sanford Hollow in New Kingston. He graduated from Margaretville Central School in 1951.
John married the love of his life, Carol Beland on February 9, 1957. They started to raise their family in Garnerville, NY and then moved to Arkville in 1963. Throughout his life he did many different things. He started out as a mechanic for Dawson’s, and then he became a truck driver for Anchor Motor Freight, hauling GM vehicles. After moving back to Arkville, he began his own contracting business, which he did until he retired. John also served his community by being a member of the Middletown Planning board for many years and a commissioner for the Arkville Fire District for over 35 years.
John is survived by his faithful companion Smokey. He is also survived by his son Edward (Kellie) Sanford, his daughter, Jennifer Bouton, and his daughter Cheryl (Rob Sweeney) Roberts. He is survived by his grandchildren: Jamie (Mark) Vogler, Lucas (Shannon Davenport), and Marshall Bouton, Ashton (Brian) Grocholl, Kirstie (Andrew) Cafaldo, Sean and Kevin Lutz, Caitlyn and Travis Roberts, Kevin (Beth Jerome) Sweeney, Noel (Jenn) Amundsen, and great-grandchildren Landon Vogler, Grace and Georgia Grocholl, Jackson and Jordan Cafaldo, and David and Landin Amundsen. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Beth (Michael) Smith, siblings Myron Sanford, Betty (Russell) DeSilva, Marie Stachnik, and many nephews and nieces.
John is predeceased by his wife Carol, his grandson Tommy Roberts, his sons-in-law, Dennis Bouton and Tom Roberts, his parents, Myron and Lucy Sanford, his siblings, Mary Davies and George Sanford, and sisters-in-law Barbara Sanford and Doris Sanford, brothers-in-law Tom Davies and Stephen Stachnik.
John had a fulfilling life surrounded by family and friends. He loved to share stories about growing up on the farm in New Kingston, driving truck around the New England area for GM, and the times he drove across the country. He also went on many trips with family over the years, his favorite being the cruise to Alaska. John’s greatest joy, however, was spending time with his family. He and Carol attended most of their grandchildren's sporting events and school concerts, and were present at every family gathering. They especially loved the times when they were able to reminisce with their nephews; Robert (Peggy) Sanford and Rick (Amber) Sanford, and other close family members and friends.
Calling hours will be held June 23rd, 4p.m. to 7p.m. at Hynes Funeral Home. The service will be held at the Halcott United Methodist Church June 24th at 10 a.m., burial will immediately follow at the Halcott Center Cemetery and with a celebration of life to follow at the Halcott Grange Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Arkville Fire Department in John’s name.