Middlebury, CT Gaylord Albert Sanford.,80, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026.

He was born in Seymour, CT on November 15, 1945, the son of Milicent (Dove) and James Sanford. He worked for the Naugatuck Board of Education as a Maintenance Engineer from June 28, 1972, until his retirement on December 28, 2007. He enjoyed fishing, horseback riding and traveling to many places with his late significant other, Barbara Winslow.

Gaylord is survived by his daughter, Tammie Moir and fiancé Holly Verdile; his son Gary Sanford and his wife Deborah; his grandchildren; Matthew and fiancé Jessica Schmidt, Thomas and Katherine Sanford; his brothers Theodore and Frederick. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Marjorie, James, William, Dawn, Linda and Gerald.

The Family would like to sincerely thank caregiver Una Gayle from Companions and Homemakers for her wonderful care and VITAS Hospice Homecare for the exceptional support and comfort they provided.

Services will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave, Naugatuck, CT. Calling hours will from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery, 1 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to VITAS Hospice Care through VITAScommunityconnection.org. For additional information or to leave words of sympathy please visit www.fordfh.com.