Richard Joseph Stafford III

Dick is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lou of over 45 years; his son, Rich; his three daughters, Liz, Katie and Margaret; daughter and son-in-laws: Lynda and Scott; and four grandchildren, Sean, Julia, Christopher and Skylar. Each has their own special memories of Dick, but all recall his interest in classical music, history, science and politics. Mostly, they remember how cooking for his family warmed his heart, especially his determination of cooking the perfect “Grotto Pizza.”

Dick grew up in South Philadelphia, and proudly served in the Air Force. He began his career in Washington D.C., where he met his wife in an elevator. In his younger years, he enjoyed flying planes on the weekends, and watching his children ride horses on their property in Potomac, MD. Finding a passion in business, and following his entrepreneurial spirit, he moved his family to Charlotte, NC to start his own business. In 1979, he created Stafford Rail Products located in Lancaster, SC. He was respected and well known within the railroad - steel industry. One of his favorite past times was to garden, and especially loved to give lawnmower rides with his two youngest daughters, and later in life with his granddaughter, Julia. During his retirement, he enjoyed cooking, classical music, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dick fondly remembered and discussed “family traditions”, and it was with great pride that he told people that his children were his best accomplishment.

Services will be held on Saturday, February 13th, 2016 at the McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville located at 10500 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 at 2pm EST.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dick’s memory to: Hospice of Union County of Carolinas Healthcare, 700 West Roosevelt Blvd, Monroe, NC 28110.