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Michael Sandiford Obituary
Michael Joseph Sandiford, 58, of Long Lake, NY passed away at home on Saturday May 16 just weeks after a probable diagnosis of the rare Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Born in Massena, NY to George and Patricia (Spellman) Sandiford, Mike grew up in Massena, Richmond, Baltimore, and Binghamton. He was predeceased by his father in 1992.
Mike graduated from Binghamton Catholic Central High School and attended Plattsburgh State University. He left college studies to pursue a career in food service and restaurant management in Florida. There he held positions at Red Lobster and Marriott before managing various private restaurants and nightclubs. In 1993, Michael moved to Long Lake, NY to open his own restaurant which he operated for nine years. In recent years he has been employed by New York State as a caregiver for developmentally disabled adults at a day facility in Long Lake. Mike's compassionate and cheerful approach to work enriched the lives of those with special needs who were in his care.
Michael will be missed as a treasured husband, father, stepfather, son, brother, mentor, and friend. His laughter and smiles touched the heart of each person he came in contact with. He will be remembered for his kindness to all, his spontaneous sense of humor, his loyalty to friends and devotion to family, and his love of Long Lake and the Adirondack Mountains. Cherished friends arrived from near and far to comfort Mike in his final weeks.
Michael is survived by his mother, Patricia; his wife, Alexis; daughters Syana and Rhiannon Sandiford; stepchildren Jade Jackson, Mandy Mandel, and Joel, Michael, and Seth Hart; and five step grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Peter, David, Jim (Caroline Hanover), William (Victoria), and Daniel Sandiford; sisters Julie (Tom) Helms, Laurie Sandiford (John Hlavaty), Mary Ann Sandiford (Anthony Day), and Elizabeth (Leo) O'Connor; nephews and nieces Tommy, Andrew, and Tim Helms, Peter Day, David Sandiford, Leo, Julia, and Nora O'Connor, and Emmett and Henry Sandiford; and several grand nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be held Thursday May 21 at St. Henry's Church, Long Lake, NY at 3 p.m. Calling hours will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., immediately preceding Mass at St. Henry's. Arrangements are handled by the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake, NY.
The family will be grateful for donations in Michael's memory to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, 341 W 38th St, Suite 501, NY NY 10018, or the National Prion Disease Pathology Surveillance Center (NPDPSC), Case Western Reserve University, 2085 Adelbert Road, Cleveland, Ohio.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sandiford
Thomas Zikuski
May 13, 2020
Jimmy, Oh my God to look at my cell phone messages and see a very young picture of Michael (Zinger)! Though he was your older brother in my brother Joe's class I remember that he was always a good guy with a crazy laugh with a big smile that seemed to always be happy, though I do believe I was there for a few brotherly arguments that were nothing more than verbal jabs between brothers. Jim, Mary H. gave me your phone number and if I can only find it I will call soon. May Michael rest in peace. Tom
Maurice Whalen, MD
September 30, 2015
My memories of Michael all stem from my close friendship with his older brother, Peter, and admiration and respect for his mother and father. They date to the Massena years on Elm Circle with the Carrolls, Perdues, Folgerts, and so many more. Michael was a little boy then - with a very definite personality, and speech that only close acquaintances could decipher. He was all boy. Despite frequent mishaps - like coloring the new sofa with red magic marker - he was incredibly loveable. I can imagine the kind of man, husband and father he grew to be. I know how much he will be missed. Despite the many years and miles, I share your sorrow.
Steve & Marge Durham
May 31, 2015
Just now heard.....a much nicer man is hard to find. Our sincere condoleces to your family, Mike. May you rest in peace.
Michael Moran
May 27, 2015
My thoughts prayers and respects to the entire Sandiford clan. Although I have not seen Mike for many years my memories of him are as he lived; full of smiles laughter and gusto.
Nancy Lucas Eichler
May 24, 2015
I do remember Mike from St Thomas and Catholic Central, however I was in David's class. We were also neighbors as I lived on Rugby Rd and you were just around the corner! Mike always treated everyone so nice. He always had a smile, looked me in the eye,and said hello. I'm sorry to hear of his passing.The world lost a genuine individual with a love of others! He seemed to love life.I feel blessed to have known him. As a nurse, I knew his dad who had the same nature and his mom, whom I used to run into on walks on the west side. May God's peace touch all of you as he was so touched.
Carol Burnard (Campon)
May 21, 2015
Peter and the entire Sandiford family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Boland Orband
May 20, 2015
Mrs. Sandiford and family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. You are in my prayers.
May 20, 2015
Our hearts are with you all during this difficult time. God bless Michael and all who he touched throughout his beautiful life.
Marty & Berni Fox
May 20, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Sandiford, and Mike's entire family. May your memories give you comfort during this difficult time.
Pat Cheevers
May 20, 2015
My deepest sympathies billy and the entire Sandiford family.
May 20, 2015
Dave, Peter, and family. All my deepest sympathies at your loss of your brother Michael. Chip Georgia
May 19, 2015
My deepest condolences to the Sandiford family. I am sorry. Pat Connolly
Jack Councilman
May 19, 2015
My most sincere condolences to all of the Sandiford family. Softly falls the light of day as the campfire fades away. I'll never forget the good times at Troop 40 at Boulevard Church, and the Eagles Nest Camp.
May 19, 2015
Never a negative word, always a quick smile and a roaring laugh. You will be missed; classmate Kevin F. Guyette
Pat Harding
May 19, 2015
My sincere condolences to the Sandiford family. My prayers will be with you all.
Tom Zikuski
May 19, 2015
Jimmy and family,I have many memories of Michael from spending time at the Sandiford home growing up.May God Bless Michael and all of you at this difficult time.
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