Michael Stafford

Michael S Stafford. July 30, 1945 to August 26, 2023

Mike strived for and successfully completed the goals he set for himself. He attended The University of Notre Dame starting upon High School graduation. He was asked to discontinue his studies for academic reasons. Rather than being drafted, he enlisted in the Army. He was posted to Germany. He was honorable discharged after two years, nine months, 14 days and seven hours. Continuing his education he moved to Erie, PA attending Gannon University where he completed a degree in Industrial Management.

During those years he befriended the Livingston family, becoming the third “son” of Fred and Dorothy, and honorary brother to Eric, Heidi, and Kieth. He also acquired a red Volvo P1800 which remained with him until passing it along to his nephew Patrick Williams three years ago.

Upon graduation from Gannon he returned to Notre Dame finishing a degree in Civil Engineering.  With both those degrees in hand he began a long career with Stone and Webster Engineering. As Construction Manager he managed many industrial projects in many locations in The United States. 

Ghana also benefited from his expertise in construction management, overseeing the building of oil fired electrical generation plants, one in Sucundi Takorati, the other in Tema. On those projects he mentored and became close friends with Eric Otoo and Oko Buckle. They became his “Ghanaian sons”.  He also aided a young woman, “Rams” accomplish her ambitions.

Retiring from Stone and Webster he founded Staff Sterling Management, a construction Management consulting firm in Vermont. Consulting on many municipal and private projects in the state and on other projects including chemical demiliterasion for the Army.

May he hike and ski many more trails with his friends and dogs.

Love, Donna his wife of 55 years.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, Donna Stafford of Morrisville and his sister Patricia Stafford-Sturk of Clinton, MI. As well as, Kathleen Williams, Terrance Williams, Debbie Williams, Patrick Williams, Karl (Niki) Sturk, and Brianna Stafford.

He is predeceased by his parents, John C. Stafford and Marcella Stafford, and his brother, John E. Stafford.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Mike’s memory are lovingly accepted and appreciated to both the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy and Alzheimer’s Research.

1: Contributions to Rails-To-Trails can be made online here

2: Contributions to funding Alzheimer's research for a cure can be made online to the Alzheimer's Association here.