John P. Stafford, 86, of Nashua, was called home by our Lord on Thursday, July 27, 2023 surrounded by the love of family.
Born in Philadelphia on December 4, 1936, he was a son of the late Harry Schultz Stafford Sr. and Catharine Esther (Kulp) Stafford. After graduating high school from Sunbury, PA in 1954, his family moved to Canonsburg, PA enabling him to attend the University of Pittsburgh. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. The last summer of classes, John rode along the highway on his Cushman Scooter to Pitt while passing his girlfriend and future wife riding the bus. Nancy Jean (Miller) Stafford, one of the Canonsburg “Miller Twins”, stole his heart. They were married on August 20, 1960. Having already started his computer engineering career with General Electric in Syracuse, NY, John and Nancy started their family with two girls, Connie and Laura. Having been transferred by Honeywell to Oklahoma for eleven years where two more children, Scott and Susan were born, John was transferred for the last time to New England in 1975 where they have resided since. Due to his extensive career, John has 10 different patents in his name.
Having been encouraged by his father to become an electrical engineer, he acquired his inquisitive, logical mind from him and his love for music and singing from his mother. John sang in church choirs his entire life, sang in many choruses and small groups, and even competed in singing competitions with his sisters and brothers as a child! Enjoying many styles of music, working with computers, planning jam-packed fun-filled vacations, and reading historical novels were favorite pastimes of John’s, but ultimately, spending time with his family was most important. His daughter-in-law, Dorothy, and two grandchildren, Emily and Miles, helped make his family his greatest joy!
John was an optimistic, generous, kind family man and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 63 years, Nancy. His immediate family members include 3 daughters, Connie, Laura and Susan Stafford all of Nashua; his son, (Mark) Scott Stafford and daughter-in-law, Dorothy (Mitchell) Stafford of Dayton, OH as well as his two grandchildren Emily Stafford of Dayton, OH and Miles Stafford of South Berwick, ME. Members of his family as include 3 sisters, Edith (Stafford) Thompson and husband Don, Dorothy (Stafford) Kantor, and Catharine E. (Stafford) Zrimsek along with his sister-in-law, Helen (Mahy) Stafford. He was blessed with many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other extended family. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his two brothers, Charles Stafford and Harold (Harry) Stafford, Jr.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at Arlington Street UMC, 63 Arlington St, Nashua, on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at Alpine Grove, 19 S Depot Rd, Hollis. All are welcome to attend so that the family may enjoy your presence. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org). To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
