Obituary of Michael Dale Stafford

ROXBURY, New York - Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Michael Dale Stafford sadly passed away on January 29, 2023 at the age of 73. Michael was born on April 24, 1949 in Margaretville, NY. He graduated from Margaretville Central School and immediately started work at VAW Aluminum in Ellenville, NY where he was promoted to Supervisor. He was married to Sherry Taylor Stafford of Denver, NY for over 55 years. Michael is survived by his wife, three children and three grandchildren: daughter Michelle Stafford Walsh, son-in-law Jim Walsh and granddaughters Taylor Anne and Kelley Grayce Walsh of Delmar, NY; daughter Melissa Stafford of Albany, NY; son Michael D. Stafford II, daughter-in-law June Machin Stafford and grandson Michael D. Stafford III of Melville, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Dorothy Stafford, and two sisters, Bettie Smith and Andrea Van Fleet. Looking for a change for the family in the late 1970s, Michael, with the help of his wife Sherry, sold their home, purchased a customized van and drove his family across the country over a period of two months to see the major sites, visit family in California and settle in a new home in Brooksville, FL. From dust devil tornadoes to earthquakes to movie stars to the Texas desert, it was a trip the family would remember for a lifetime. Michael was a manager for Baird Mobile Homes and HVAC setup and repair while in Florida. He became certified in electrical repair, as well as emergency medical services. His family was proud to say he “could fix anything.” In the late 1980s, the family moved back to Roxbury, NY where Michael had his own construction business for several years before applying to become a NYS Corrections Officer. He was a CO at Sing Sing, Sullivan and Ulster NYS prisons. This position became his crowning career and he retired from NYS Corrections in 2012. In retirement, Michael and his wife enjoyed living in the country, their plentiful backyard wildlife, the occasional outing with friends, and vacations at the beach. Michael enjoyed playing games and cards with his grown children as well as scouting for gobblers with his son each May. He kept up with friends via social media and took great joy in visiting with his grandchildren. He is most remembered for his intellect and knowledge of current events as well as a wonderful, entertaining sense of humor. A memorial service is planned for the Spring in Roxbury, NY. Date and location will be announced.