Ronald Jack Sanford - Obituary

onald Jack Sanford was the only son of Jacob and Molly (Diorio) Sanford, born November 14, 1928 in Paterson, New Jersey, where he grew up. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Notre Dame in 1950, then proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After 10 years as an Engineer with several private-sector companies, Jack returned to public service as a civilian. He worked on the Apollo and Saturn programs for NASA, for the Federal Aviation Administration, and then primarily for the Army during his 25-year Federal career, retiring in 1989. Jack enjoyed a wide range of activities and interests, especially military and flight history, artistic pursuits such as sculpture and guitar, and perhaps his greatest passion: sailing. He obtained an Associate’s Degree in Marine Biology, was a certified scuba diver and delighted many with trips on his sailboat, Seaducer. Jack was outgoing and easy to talk to; he loved to meet people and learn their stories. He was deeply faithful, and was an active member of St. Columba, where he served as a lector and made many friends. Jack leaves to mourn his passing his loving partner of 47 years, Ruth Beaver; his daughters Barbara Creegan (and husband Bob) and Deborah Sanford; his son-in-law Kevin Martini; Ruth’s children Janet Deschak (and husband Mark), Eric Beaver (and wife Denise), and Regina Beaver; his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Alyssa Creegan, Alexa Martini, Annaliese Sanford, Adam Beaver, Erica and Caroline Deschak, and Maxwell, Olivia and Nicholas Beaver; and his cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and by his children Rhonda Martini and Ronald Jack Sanford, Jr. A Memorial Mass will be offered at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 11 a.m. Interment Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, Oxon Hill, MD.