Philip Stafford

1947 - 2025

Philip Overton Stafford, 78, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away at home surrounded by family on October 21, 2025. The cause of death was Pulmonary Fibrosis. A self-made entrepreneur, he was a pioneer in Charlottesville's food and wine community and later founded USA Wine Imports, a national importer. A lifelong runner, winemaker, musician, and gardener, he was known for his creativity, curiosity, and devotion to family.

Born July 17, 1947, in Dalton, Georgia, Philip grew up in Richmond and graduated from Huguenot High School and the University of Virginia, where he co-captained the track team and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He earned his law degree from the University of Michigan.

Returning to Charlottesville, Philip co-founded the C&O Restaurant and went on to open the Market Street Wine Shop, helping revitalize the downtown mall. Eventually Philip moved to New York City where he founded USA Wine Imports, an internationally known import company. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Martha, their children, Elizabeth and William, his brother, Jeff Stafford and his wife Beth, his niece Alex Dorey, her father Frank, and her son Caleb. He was preceded in death by his parents, Overton and Phyllis Stafford, and sister, Priscilla Dorey.

Donations in Philip's memory may be made to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: pulmonaryfibrosis.org.