Haverhill: Alton D. "Del" Sanford, Jr., 76, a resident of Haverhill since 1973, died suddenly on Friday, April 15, 2022, in Warwick, MA, while walking his property with his son.

Born and raised in Claremont, New Hampshire, son of the late Alton D. and Joanna (Cusanelli) Sanford, he attended local schools and was a member of the Stevens High School Class of 1963. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a Sergeant during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with several medals in 1968. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Education from Keene State College and worked briefly as a teacher at Lawrence High School.

For most of his working life, Del was employed as an Employment Counselor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Employment and Training. He also served as a union steward and veterans' representative.

An avid New England Patriots fan, he also enjoyed gardening, working on his computer and taking care of maintenance issues around his home in Haverhill.

Predeceased in 2009 by his loving and devoted wife of thirty-six years, Gail M. (Fitzpatrick) Sanford, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son, Ian M. Sanford of Haverhill, a brother, Rocco J. Tetreault of Texas, his mother-in-law, Katherine "Kay" Fitzpatrick of Plaistow, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to Del's Life Celebration to be held on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Plaistow. His funeral will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday from the funeral home with a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. in Holy Angels Church of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Plaistow and followed by the rendering of military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. To send a message of condolence to the family or to share a cherished memory, please visit: www.brooksidechapelfh.com