Ralph E. Sanford, Jr.

Ralph E. Sanford, Jr., 90, a lifelong resident of Mattapoisett, MA, the beloved husband of 63 years to wife Patricia, and devoted father to Caroline, Neal, Mark, and Paul, died peacefully at home on August 15, 2023, with his family by his side. 

He was born in Westport, MA, on February 27, 1933, to Ralph, Sr., and Emma (Hall). After a wonderful upbringing in Westport, the family moved to Palmer, MA, where Ralph finished high school. He then took a job as an apprenticed draftsman for General Electric located in Pittsfield, MA.

He married and lived in Dalton, MA for several years before moving to Mattapoisett where he and Patricia raised their children. Ralph pursued his education receiving his bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a master’s degree from Bentley College. He was a gifted teacher and patient educator at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School and then as a respected instructor at Bristol Community College, retiring with the honor of professor emeritus.  Ralph quietly and warm-heartedly shared his wisdom, knowledge, and joy of learning with his students, family, and all those he met. 

He was an Eagle Scout, a proud Veteran of the Army who also enjoyed sailing on Buzzard’s Bay, skiing all over the New England area, bicycling, traveling, spending time at Newfound Lake in Bristol, NH, and being a member of the AMC Four-Thousand-Footer Club.  Members of the family will continue to carry on his many interests. 

He is lovingly survived by Patricia, their children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.  

SERVICES: Calling hours are on Sunday (9/10) from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday (9/11) at 11 a.m. at St. Raphael Church, 103 Walker St., Manchester. Committal prayers will follow at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 D.W. Highway, Boscawen, NH.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the services of veterans by way of the Manchester (NH) VA Medical Center (ATTN: Voluntary Service) at 718 Smyth Road, Manchester NH 03104 (https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675) .