Roland Allen Sanford

Obituary of Roland Allen Sanford With sadness, his family shares the passing of Roland (Rollie) Allen Sanford on February 21, 2018 at age 97. His beloved wife Elma, who predeceased him in 2005, shared his wonderful life. He is survived by his three children: Darryl (Carol), of Albion and their children, Brian (Beth), Steven (Stefanie), and Laura (Bill); Rebecca (Karl) of Virginia and their children, Erik, Ryan (Lauren), and Kristen (James); and Scott (Julie) of Albion and their children, Roland Allen and Bradley. Big Grampy also will be missed by his eight great-grandchildren: Anna, Alexandra, William, Dorissa, Sara, Jack, Max and Colton. One of four siblings, Rollie was born in 1920 in Waterport, NY, the son of Tracey Ellsworth Sanford and Edith Paulina (Allen) Sanford. He attended Waterport Schools and, following graduation, pursued farming, eventually moving with his family to a 75 acre farm on Gaines Basin Road, Albion. In his late 20's, Roland entered Brockport State Teacher's College, where he met his future wife, Elma Henderson, of Holley, NY. He earned a M. S. in Education from New York University and attended The University of Buffalo. Teaching American History in the Albion High School, many students remember him as a kind and respected mentor. Later, Roland became a professor of education at Brockport State University and supervised student teachers in area schools. With his wife, Rollie enjoyed collecting antiques and refurbishing them, and he loved to read, particularly history and biography. He loved animals, and always had a dog to keep him company. For nearly 50 years, he and Elma were extremely active in the Albion United Methodist Church. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11:00am at the (NOTE CHANGE OF LOCATION) Albion United Methodist Church 26 S. Main St. (Christ Episcopal Church). Memorials may be made to the Hoag Library 134 South Main St. Albion, NY 14411 or the First United Methodist Church 26 S. Main St. Albion, NY 14411.