Obituary of Wayne R. Sandford

Wayne R. Sandford, a longtime Madison resident, died peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, November 14, 2019. He was 74.

Wayne was born in Orange on November 30, 1944 to the late Elmer W. and Mary H. Sandford. He was raised in Livingston and moved to Madison in the early 1970’s. Wayne served in the US Army National Guard during the Vietnam era before being honorably discharged.

Wayne was a lifelong automobile enthusiast and talented mechanic. Throughout his long career as a mechanic he acquired a vast professional knowledge of most vehicles with a particular interest in classic American cars. He and his brother, the late Herbert Sandford, were the owners of Sandford's Service, Inc. of South Orange, a full-service automotive repair business which their father established in the 1950’s. Wayne and Herbert worked together for many years and upheld the business’ reputation for its excellent personal service & quality auto repairs.

Wayne was an ardent Corvette enthusiast and was a proud owner of his award winning 1962 Corvette “Main Attraction”, which he brought to many car shows throughout the east coast. He was a longtime member of the Natural Glass Corvette Association and avid fan of professional drag racing. Wayne also loved the outdoors, was a longtime member of the Florham Pistol & Rifle Club of Florham Park, and a fan of the NFL - especially the Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was predeceased by his brother, Herbert E. Sandford. He is survived by his beloved wife, Deborah Sandford (nee Trautmann) of Madison; his son, Shadoe Sandford of Hoboken; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Friday, November 15, 2019 from 1:30PM to 3:00PM at the Madison Memorial Home, followed by a 3:00PM funeral service led by Rev. Msgr. George Hundt. Cremation will be held privately for family. For condolences to the family, please visit www.madisonmemorialhome.com

Charitable contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org