Obituary of H. Michael Sanford

H. Michael Sanford, 59, longtime resident of Conneaut, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 at UPMC-Hamot, surrounded by his family. Mike was born on May 8, 1954 in Conneaut, Ohio the son of John W. and Patricia Ann (Morton) Sanford. He graduated from Conneaut High School Class of 1973 where he was an exceptional athlete that participated in multiple sports as well as choir, marching band and drama club. Upon graduation he attended Edinboro State University on a full football scholarship. In 1977 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1978. Mike was an avid hunter who enjoyed training his "Bird Dogs" but his true passion was coaching sports. It was not uncommon to find him on any given evening down at C.L.Y.O. no matter what sport was in season, molding and shaping the talents of the local kids. After a long and successful coaching career (which included N.E.C Championships with CHS) he found a new love as an Umpire with C.L.Y.O., Conneaut Slo-Pitch and the local Church Leagues as well as a few years with Orlando Baseball in Orlando, Florida. Whether it was behind the plate or on the sidelines he was at home on the field. There are too many things to list about the person he was but if you had the chance to meet him during his 59yrs than you already know. He took a genuine interest in people and was always there to give you the shirt off his back… if he had one on. He is survived by his two sons, Justin (Amanda) Sanford and Brett (Bekah) Sanford; grandchildren, Ameila, Naomi, Carter and Logyn M. Sanford; siblings, Joe (Cindy) Sanford, Dan (Becky) Sanford, Barbe (Mark) Sanford, Becky (Mike) Olmstead and Jeff (Cindy) Sanford; mother of his children and friend, Gwen Sanford; his companion, Joanne Lyons; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents, Dorothy Sanford and Howard and Martha Morton. In keeping with Mike's wishes, private family services will be held. Memorials in Memory of Mike may be given to the C.L.Y.O., PO BOX 215, Conneaut, Ohio, 44030. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 345 Main St., Conneaut.