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Ralph Daniel Sanford

Date of Death: February 5, 2026

Date of Birth: May 23, 1937

Biography:

Ralph Daniel Sanford passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, service, and quiet strength. He was a loving husband, a proud father, a cherished grandfather, a dependable brother, and a beloved uncle whose presence
brought steadiness and warmth to all who knew him.

Ralph was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, to Rachel Riberdy and Cecil Sanford. He was a devoted brother to George Sanford and is survived by his brother, Joseph Sanford. He was wed to Patricia E. Sanford nee Abely of Winthrop, Massachusetts, and together they raised three
sons. Ralph is survived by those three sons; Paul Sanford, Daniel Sanford, and Michael Sanford as well as daughter-in-law Erin (O’Rourke) Sanford, grandchildren Freya Sanford, Rachel Verrill and her wife Amber Verrill, Brad Chisholm and wife Paola (Andrade) Chisholm, and great grandchildren, Grant, Gavin, and Addision Chisholm.

Ralph was a proud officer in the United States Coast Guard, serving as a search and rescue pilot in both rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. During his distinguished career, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) and was based in ports of call including Florida, Texas,
Washington DC, Bermuda, and New York. Following his military service, Ralph continued his aviation career in corporate aviation as Chief Pilot and Director of Aviation Operations, often sharing his love of flight by including family members on trips around the world.

After losing his wife Patti in 2003, Ralph was fortunate enough to find love again—twice blessed, as he would say—when he fell deeply and joyfully in love with Moira Lynne Nee Cross. Ralph’s unmistakable giddiness and Lynne’s boundless love created an expanded family
grounded in acceptance, kindness, and togetherness.

Ralph and Lynne made their home in Brunswick, Maine, to be closer to Lynne’s daughter and family: Tarryn McCarthy, her husband, Killian, and their children. As “Papa Ralph,” he embraced every member of the family with open arms, caring for children Tarryn, Doug Strating, and Byrne Strating, as well as grandchildren Cass, Leif, Bodhi, Nula, Violet, Keegan, and Ava. He formed deep, meaningful, and unique connections, creating a family life rich with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Those who knew Ralph will remember his integrity, quiet confidence, and kind heart. His life was defined by service, responsibility, loyalty, and care for others—values he lived daily and passed on through both words and actions.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and  loving him: Binky, Sandy, Dad, Pop, and Papa Ralph. A Memorial service will be held on February 28th at 2:00pm at the First Parish Church in Brunswick, ME. Visit FirstParish.net to attend virtually.