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Richard “Dick” C. Sanford (aka. The Velvet Fog), 89, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.Born in 1936 in East Orange, New Jersey, and raised in Upper Montclair, Dick was a cheerful, playful soul with a curious mind and youthful charm. A proud graduate of Kent School (‘55) and the University of Pennsylvania (‘59), he built a successful career as an insurance broker with Smyth, Sanford & Gerard and Sanford & Purvis. He also served as the president of the Bernard’s Township Board of Education for ten years.Dick played hockey at Kent and Penn and remained passionate about the game, playing until the age of 85. His enthusiasm for hockey was extraordinary—he would play at any rink available, from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to local rinks up and down the eastern seaboard. He also played in high caliber hockey tournaments such as the CARHA World Championship in Ontario and Men’s 80+ Hall of Fame Tournament in Ottawa. When not on the ice, he enjoyed traveling far and wide to catch a game. In addition to hockey, Dick enjoyed tennis, ballroom dancing, restoring vintage Puch mopeds, tinkering with gadgets like ham radios, and collecting Lionel trains. His various cars over the years reflected his adventurous spirit—part “Back to the Future,” part gypsy carriage. He never stayed in one place for very long, always eager to explore—occasionally with a map, often on instinct—and, somehow, he always managed to find his way.His mischievous smile and chuckle could light up any room. Throughout his life, Dick was a natural at connecting people. He enjoyed introducing new friends to one another, often stopping by unannounced, resulting in unforgettable—sometimes awkward, sometimes hilarious—moments that became cherished stories. Everyone has a story about Dad, for better or for worse, but always one worth sharing.He will be deeply missed by his four children: Richard Jr., Andrew, Lindie, and Sara; his nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild; as well as by countless friends, family, teammates, colleagues, and community members fortunate to have shared in his unforgettable journey.Above all, Dick’s legacy is one of love, adventure, and endless curiosity—a reminder to live fully, stay playful, and never lose that youthful spark. Like a fog that rolls in, he’s here, there and everywhere.A celebration of life will be held at Essex Hunt Club in November.

Richard C. Sanford

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