Roslindale, New Jersey
(Home News Tribune)
MR. WALTER M.
STAFFORD JR.
AGE: 82 MANASQUAN
Walter M. Stafford Jr. died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008, at Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune. He was 82.
Mr. Stafford was born in Boston, Mass., and was a lifelong resident of the city. Two years ago he left many friends in Boston to be with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren in New Jersey, where he touched many lives and made many new friends. His new residence at the Francis Asbury Manor gave him the opportunity to bring charm and laughter to all the residents and workers.
He was a veteran of World War II serving with the U.S. Navy SeaBees in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Stafford was a longtime employee of the U.S. Post Office in Boston. While residing in Boston, he was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale, Mass.. He was a loyal Red Sox fan.
Mr. Stafford was a friend to everyone. The way he treated people was his greatest accomplishment. He was a devoted family man, bringing joy and love to his son's family, most notably his granddaughters. He was more than thrilled to know he was going to be "Great Grandpa Jake.''
He was predeceased by his brothers Peter and Edward and sisters Georgina Gaeta and Claire Pearson. Mr. Stafford is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Wally and Emma Stafford of Manasquan, his granddaughters Kathleen Albert and her husband Mitch of Winter Park, Fla., Karen English and her husband Edward Jr. of Hoboken, Susan Stafford of Rockaway and Kelly Osmond and her husband Tony of Manasquan; his expected great-grandchild; and his siblings, Mary McHaffa of Inverness Fla., Robert Stafford of Cape Cod, Irene Burke of St. Louis, Missouri, Joan Akins of Dairy, N.H., and Joseph Stafford of Quincy, Mass.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Higgins Funeral Home, Roslindale, Mass., followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in Roslindale. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery West Roxbury, Mass. Relatives and friends may call Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The O'Brien Funeral Home, Route 35 and New Bedford Road, Wall Township, NJ 07719. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Francis Asbury Manor Fellowship Fund, 3311 State Route 33, Neptune NJ 07753.
You will always be my Uncle Sunny, I will always think of you in my thoughts. To your son my prayers and wish go out to you and your wife and daughters. Love you Uncle Sunny say Hi to mom for me ...
Kenneth Flynn
December 03, 2008 | VA
Dear Wally, Emma & Girls,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad, Walters passing. From what we've read, your Dad sounds like a wonderful human being, someone who cares so deeply about others. And we know personally that Wally is very much like his Dad. We're terribly sorry we weren't able to make the wake. We learned of Walters passing after the fact. A loss like this is hard and especially at the holidays. Please know we're thinking of all of you and hope that your holidays will be...
Colleen, Brian, Ellen, Jimmy Caffrey-Dangell Families
November 26, 2008 | Dayton, NJ
Mr. Stafford,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served in the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions during WW II. The Seabees were some of the unsung heroes of WW II-they built airfields, advanced bases and naval anchorages. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Mike Casey
November 08, 2008 | El Paso(former MA Resident), TX
Uncle Sonny,
You were such a kind and wonderful person. I will cherish all the great memories that our family made. I'm sorry that we haven't seen you in years and I regret not making that trip to NJ. You were one of the best uncles anyone could ask for! My condolences to Wally and family.
I'll miss you old Sniff!
Love,
Jeannie
Jeannie Stafford
November 07, 2008 | Watertown, MA
Uncle Sonny,
You were a kind, thoughtful man and you will be missed. Wally, Emma and girls - we're so sorry for your loss.
Julie, John, Johnny, Tommy, Charlie and Rachel Cox
Julie (Keenan) Cox
November 07, 2008 | North Andover, MA, MA
Hey Uncle "Sniff",
You were one of the best, most thoughtful uncles anyone could ask for. You never forgot a birthday or an anniversary. We are going to miss the cards and phone calls. We are glad for the time we got to spend with you when you stayed with my mom while you recuperated. We love you and miss you.
Love Ronnie, Cheryl, Chelsey, and Cayla Stafford
P.S. "Broke"
Ronnie Stafford
November 07, 2008 | Marion, MA
Hi Wally, Emma and family:
Mom and I arrived at the Cape safely about 5PM Thursday evening. We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Uncle Sonny was one my "special" uncles. We had many summer visits to remember as we toured the sites in DC and Alexandria together. The character trait that I recall is his positive attitude and kindness. He always put others before himself and sometimes even did without so that he could help meet the needs of those in the family and beyond. He...
Elizabeth "Liz" (McHaffa) Stroop
November 07, 2008 | Charles Town, WV
Wally, Emma and family,
Uncle Sonny will be sorely missed by all of us. He made sure he never missed a birthday by either calling or sending a card. He had a great sense of humor and we are sorry that the last two years have separated us by distance. He was the best Godfather I could have had. Hopefully he is having a good reunion with my mom and dad, Gina, Peter, Claire.
Love, Cheryl, Howie and family
Cheryl Ladd
November 06, 2008 | Middleboro, MA
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Jake. I remember him at your wedding. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love Aunt Marie
Marie Genitempo
November 06, 2008 | Paterson, NJ
