Melvin H. Sanford

Melvin Henry Sanford passed away Sunday, October 5, 2014 at the age of 91 after a short illness. He was born in Ft Worth, Texas, raised in California and Ohio, with his brother, Wallace and sister, Dorothy. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942, served with honor in World War II, survived being wounded at Saipan. Following the war, he attended and graduated from Ohio State University in 1950 as a Science teacher and sang with the Ohio State Glee Club. He continued singing with Chorus groups and choirs throughout his life. He married Gloria May Delong in 1948. They had two sons, Bruce and Gary and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in the 1950's, where Melvin began teaching science in the Roosevelt School district. A third son, Brian was born in Phoenix. Melvin received his Master's Degree in Education from Arizona State University in 1964. The family moved to Tempe in 1966. He continued teaching, and then entered Administration in the 1970's, as an assistant principal, and then as a principal, in Superior, Parker and Eloy. Melvin also enjoyed refereeing High School football, baseball, and basketball games during his teaching career. He retired from Eloy as a principal in the 1980's. He and Gloria traveled with Orpheus Men's Chorus to Hawaii, Australia, Europe, and Russia, and enjoyed family gatherings. He began woodworking after retirement. Mel and Gloria were active members at Grace Community Church from its beginning. He sang in the choir, and 2 of their sons were married there. Gloria passed away in 2001 after 53 years together. Mel married Betty Mason at Grace Community Church in 2003. They enjoyed traveling together and family events. Betty passed away in 2006, and Mel moved to Park Regency Retirement Community, continuing his active lifestyle, singing and church activities. He is survived by his brother and sisters, Wallace (CA), Dorothy Winn (FL), half-sister Mary Lee Williams (CA); sons, Bruce (Elizabeth) (TN), Gary, and Brian (Deanna), grandson Christopher, and 2 great-granddaughters (AZ). Arrangements under the direction of Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, Chandler, AZ.