Edward M. Sandford, age 95, a resident of Winchester for over 65 years, passed away on October 25, 2023. He was the beloved husband of Patricia “Pat” (Fairclough) Sandford for 65 years until her passing in 2019, and a former Boston Bruins player and Captain.
Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Ed was the son of the late Frederick and Kathleen (Blake) Sandford. He attended St. Michael’s High School in Toronto, where he excelled in hockey and lacrosse. He joined professional hockey at the young age of eighteen and came to Boston to play for the Bruins in 1947. He settled in Winchester and played nine seasons for the Bruins – including serving as Captain and a five-time All-Star. He founded the Bruins Alumni Association with former Bruins player Milt Schmidt, which raised millions of dollars for charity. Ed’s association with the Bruins spanned several decades and after completing his professional career, he continued to stay close to the ice in a supervisory capacity as an “off-ice official”.
In retirement, Ed switched gears and worked as a stockbroker. In Winchester, he and Pat were longtime active members of St. Mary’s Parish. There they socialized in the “Mr. and Mrs. Club”, taught CCD and he served as a Eucharist Minister at Sunday Mass. As a member of Winchester Country Club since 1960, Ed enjoyed curling and golfing and was a Senior golf champ. He also coached Winchester Youth Hockey and watched proudly as several young players grew up to be champions.
A friendly man with a ready smile, he will be remembered for his affable manner and willingness to discuss anything hockey at any given time – with a clear and impressive recollection of the details of hockey games long since passed, even as he aged.
Ed is lovingly survived by his children: Michael Sandford, Jr. and his wife Donna of Saugus, Peter J. Sandford and his wife Cindy of Monroe, WA, Helen Doornbos and her husband Denny of Salem, SC, Bubba Sandford and his wife Mandi of Hamilton, MA, and Bernard G. Sandford and his wife Monica of Brighton.
He was also the dear brother of Frederick Sandford of Toronto, Canada and the late Sr. M. Bonaventure, CSJ (formerly Gertrude Sandford) and the late Loretto Sandford. He is further survived by his devoted grandchildren: Megan, Sarah, Blaik, Darik, Olivia, Ary, Louis, Kendra, Brett, Kelly, Brooke and Sabrina, and great-grandchildren Lylah and Quinn.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather for Visiting Hours at the Costello Funeral Home, 177 Washington St., Winchester, on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 4-8 PM and again on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 9AM. A Funeral Mass will be held in St. Mary’s Church, 155 Washington St. on Thurs., Nov. 2 at 10AM. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Mission of Deeds 6 Chapin Ave. Reading, MA 01867. https://www.missionofdeeds.org.