Deacon William “Bill” F., Stafford, Jr., a Carmel Resident, Dies at 77

Deacon William “Bill”  F., Stafford, Jr., of Carmel, NY entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the age of 77.  Deacon Bill was the son of the late William and Elizabeth (Gregorec) Stafford and was born on February 14, 1940 in Newburgh, New York.

Bill honorably and proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.  He was employed for many years as an agent by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and was an office manager for General Instrument Corporation before retiring.

Bill was ordained a Catholic Deacon in the Archdiocese of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 15, 2002 and was assigned to St. Thomas of Canterbury Church in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. He was Past Chaplain of the Highland Engine Company, Cornwall, NY.  He retired, due to illness, in June, 2013.

Bill and his wife, Joan (Deyo) were married on September 14, 1958 in Our Lady of Mercy Church, Roseton, NY.  Together they shared their love for over 58 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; son, William F. Stafford III, of Phoenix, AZ; daughters, Caryn and Robert Sobel of New Paltz, Gayle and David Delfs of Somers, NY and Jacquelyn and Scott Kunda of Newburgh, NY.

Bill is also survived by his grandchildren, Cory and Myranda Stafford of Quantico, VA., Emily and Conrad Mason of Maryland, Nicholas Kunda of Newburgh, NY; William Hitchcock and Rhonda of Virginia; Christopher and Rosie Delfs of Washington, DC and Evan Delfs of Somers, NY.

Great Grandchildren, Myribella and Evelyn Stafford; Trinity & Amara Hitchcock, Nathaniel, Josie and Louisa Delfs.  Brothers Joseph and Joy Stafford  of Walden, Robert Stafford of New Windsor and sisters Betty Ann and Alex Segrell of New Windsor and Linda and Fred Deagostino of Wallkill.

He was predeceased by his brothers John and Gary Stafford.

Visitation will be held from 2-6pm on Sunday, July 30 at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, July 31 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 977 River Rd., Roseton, NY at 10:30 am.  Entombment with military honors will follow in Cedar Hill Mausoleum, Newburgh.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Deacon’s memory may be made to North Westchester Restorative Therapy & Nursing Center, 3550 Lexington Ave., Mohegan Lake, NY  10547.