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Michael Stafford Obituary
Michael Edward Stafford
May 17, 1950 - March 31, 2024
LAKE GEORGE, NY/THE VILLAGES, FL - The Honorable Michael E. Stafford, of Lake George, NY, and The Villages, FL, went home to his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He was 73.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Stafford. He leaves behind his wife, Nancy (Obarowski) Stafford; daughter, Jennifer Stafford (Elizabeth); stepsons: James Obarowski (Manon), Michael Obarowski, Chase Obarowski (Carrie); sisters: Jo Ann Stafford-Paige (Joe), Maureen Ledda (Gene), Mary Patricia Merrill, Kathleen Arnheiter (Tony); and many nieces and nephews.
Michael was a graduate of Lake George High School, SUNY Plattsburg, and Albany Law School. In law school he worked as Law Secretary for State Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Kahn until he was selected to become Deputy Secretary of State and Chief Council during the Pataki Administration
He left government work to return to private practice in Lake George and founded the law firm of Stafford, Carr and McNally. In 2003 he became Lake George Town Judge and remained passionate about it, until retiring in 2023. Michael was a compassionate Judge and well respected Lawyer who believed in his clients and fought hard for them with an unrelenting pursuit of justice.
Despite all of his accomplishments Michael will be most remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father. Michael enjoyed his leisure time on his boats and as a third generation member of the Glens Falls Country Club. In The Villages he was a member of The Villages Parrothead Club, an avid golfer and loved socializing with his many friends.
A Celebration of Life and inurnment will take place on May 11, 2024 at New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages, FL. There will also be a celebration at the Glens Falls Country Club at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Cornerstone Hospice, 601 Mariposa Way, The Villages, FL 32162 or New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr., The Villages, Fl 32162 for the Men's Prayer Breakfast or Helping Hands Ministry
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Stafford
Keith Wozniak
April 23, 2024
Sad to hear Mike passed . Good friend and Fraterity brother TKB at Plattsburgh.
Remember the good times we had working on the boats on Lake George in 1969.
Rest in pease Mike.
Keith Wozniak
Keith wozniak
April 23, 2024
A great loss of a good friend and fraternity brother. Good memories working on the boats on Lake George in 1969. Rest in pease Mike.
Keith Wozniak
Willie Bea McDonald
April 22, 2024
So very sad to hear of Mike´s passing. He was truly a good friend and attorney
Mark J Rogers
April 20, 2024
My memories of Mike have always brought a smile...from late nights out in LG to our days at PSUC to his sponsorship of my admission to the NY bar. His wit, ready smile and firm friendship will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ted Breen
April 18, 2024
So sad to hear, a mentor to me. Great guy! Would pay to sit and have a beer with him. Proud family man and friend
Janet L. Ritchie
April 18, 2024
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Knowing you Joanne and Nancy
personally, my deepest compassion goes to both of you. Janet Ritchie
Judith (Judkins) Provo
April 16, 2024
JoAnn and family. I am so sorry for your loss and pray for comfort and peace at this time. It is never easy to loose a loved one, but we keep them alive, with us, with our memories and with the belief that we will be with them forever. God Bless you and your family always,
Tony Cafaro
April 16, 2024
I am devastated to learn if Mike´s passing. He was a good friend. He helped our family with several legal issues-Always honestly, fairly, with compassion and concern
Rest in peace, Mike. God bless you and your family.
Harold Moon
April 16, 2024
Thank you for the work you did on my parents estate both before and after they passed. Good job! Rest in Peace.
Beth Ann Wright
April 16, 2024
I worked for Mike Stafford as a paralegal/legal secretary on tje early 2000s. He was a wonderful boss, and I enjoyed working for him. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
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