Joseph Michael Sanford Sr

Joseph Michael Sanford Sr., 52, of Prince Frederick, MD, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on August 27, 2024. 

Born January 27, 1972, Joe was the cherished child of Ralph and Nita Sanford. He was raised in Hillcrest Heights, MD and later moved to Prince Frederick, MD, where he became a beloved member of the community. 

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Ralph Sanford, grandparents Glenn Cope, Juanita Basinger, and Arthur and Gladys Sanford. He is survived by his mother, Nita Sanford, his children, Seira Garza, Joseph Sanford Jr., Ashleigh Sanford, and Alayna Sanford, his sister and brother-in-law, Christine and Brian Robertson, and nephews, Jacob (Natalie), Matthew and Nicholas Robertson. 

Joe served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years before working as an Engineer at Verizon for the past 27 years. He has simultaneously dedicated over 20 years to various youth and high school football organizations throughout Southern Maryland. Joe was a highly regarded coach and mentor to his players on and off the field. He will be remembered for his kindness, humility, charisma, dedication, and love of football. Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

 A service to honor Joe's life will be held on September 19, 2024 at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, MD at 11:30 am, with visitation times held the day prior on September 18, 2024 from 2-4 and 6-8 at Lee Funeral Home in Owings, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.