Earl W. Sanford, 81, a long time Fort Plain resident passed away on Thursday March 9, 2006 at the St. Johnsville Nursing Home. He was born September 4, 1924, in Nassau, Rensselaer County, NY the son of the late Edmund & Marion (Pitts) Sanford. Earl was a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush, NY. He furthered his education at Burdett College in Boston, Mass., and received a B.S. from Hartwick College. He also graduated from Cobleskill Ag & Tech. with a Agricultural degree. His marriage to E. Lucille Phillips took place on June 20, 1948 in Nassau, NY. Mr. Sanford was a World War II Navy veteran stationed in Melbourne, Australia. While serving his country Earl received the following medals: American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal & the Victory Medal. Until his retirement in 1988 Earl was a Business teacher for the St. Johnsville Central School District. Prior to that, he worked at GLF (now Agway). Mr. Sanford was a life member of the Fort Plain American Legion, and was a member of the former Cross Trails Square Dancing Group in Canajoharie. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Lucille; a son, David W. Sanford (Barbara) of Johnstown; a daughter, Carol Jones of Fort Plain; a brother, Andrew Sanford (Katherine) of Kirkland, Washington; three grandchildren, Fred E. Jones( Erial) of Fort Plain; Susan Reeve (Patrick) of Cazenovia, NY; and Yvonne Cooley of Fort Plain; seven great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. He was pre-deceased by two brothers, Herbert & Ralph Sanford both of Nassau. Memorial service will be held on Saturday March 18, 2006 at 1:00 pm from the Valley Alliance Church, Route 5, Palatine Bridge, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center St., St. Johnsville. Memorial contributions may be made to Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter, Inc., 133 Hilltop Road, Sprakers, NY 12166; the St. Johnsville FFA Chapter or the Ag Dept. c/o St. Johnsville Central School District, 50 Center St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452.