Henry James Sanford - Obituary

apt. Henry “Hank” James Sanford, USN (Ret.) of Annapolis, Md. passed away on Oct. 16, 2018, from complications of his two decades of surviving cancer. Hank is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kate, his three daughters, Patty, Katherine, and Mary, and his sister, Pat Tierney. He was deeply devoted to his faith, family, friends, and the Navy. A retired naval captain with 30 years of active duty service, his career highlights included serving as commanding officer of USS Simpson (FFG 56), commanding officer of Naval Station Pearl Harbor, and three tours at the United States Naval Academy (USNA). At USNA, he served as flag secretary to the superintendent, Adm. Charles R. Larson, and as an economics instructor. He later returned to USNA serving as the executive assistant to Larson during his second tour as the superintendent in the 1990s. After retirement from active duty service in 2002, he culminated his professional career as the chief financial officer at the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation until he retired in 2017. He was also a volunteer official and served on the board of directors for Navy Federal Credit Union for several years. Hank grew up in Alexandria, Va. and graduated from Bishop Ireton High School. He continued his education at St. Bonaventure University and later earned a Masters in Business Administration and Financial Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. His way of creating friendships and loving those close to him was unique and will be missed. In Hank’s words to his daughters, “I hope when you look back years from now you will see the value of a strong family, the rewards of service, and the excitement of work you truly enjoy.” A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, October 30 at 10:00 AM in the Naval Academy’s Main Chapel. A reception will be held immediately following at Dahlgren Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate3.cancer.org/?lang=en&_ga=2.215145623.1635394801.1540498732-1487428962.1540498732), Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation (https://www.usna.com/give), Habitat for Humanity (https://www.habitat.org/donate/) or St. Bonaventure University (https://netcommunity.sbu.edu/page.aspx?pid=945) Condolences may be made by clicking the link on this page.