Leonard Stafford

Stafford, The Hon. Judge Leonard L., Broward County Circuit Judge, 1990-2002, retired, died on December 9, 2009, at the age of 74. He was born February 4, 1935 in Fairfax, AL, to Charlie and Ethel. He is survived by a loving family, including Sylvia, his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 52 years; his 94-year old mother; and his sister, Carolyn Oliver and her family. The Judge is also survived by a son, Craig, his wife, Esther, and their son, Johnny. In addition, he is survived by another son, Mark, his wife, Michelle, and their two children, Andrew and Addison. Known as Grandpa and Papa Bear to his grandchildren, the judge was greatly loved and devoted to his family, always putting them first. He will be greatly missed by his family, who hold fond memories of their time together at their second home in Highlands, NC. Among his many accomplishments, Leonard was an Eagle Scout, First Lieutenant in the US Army, and Vice president of the Local Jaycees. He was Chairman of the first cerebral palsy telethon, raising $70k for Broward County. He also coordinated volunteers for the "Walk for Mankind" to help feed the homeless. A graduate of University of Miami Law School, he served as Public Defender of Broward County, City Court Judge for the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Assistant State Attorney for Broward County, County Court Judge, and Circuit Court Judge. Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 11, 2009, at Fred Hunter's at 718 S. Federal Highway, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2009, at 10 a.m. at Fred Hunter's. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parkinson's Foundation, Inc., 1501 N.W. 9th Ave./Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL, 33136-1494, www.parkinson.orghttp://videos.lifetributes.com/105938