Richard O. Sanford

Richard (Dick) Osborn Sanford, 66, of Wellington, FL passed away on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 at the Hospice/VA Medical Center of West Palm Beach. His wife of 40 years, Susan, was with him as he peacefully gave up the fight of a year-long battle with cancer. Dick is the son of his loving parents, the late Alice and Stephen Sanford.

He is survived by his loving and devoted son, Chad with whom he shared sports, work, travel and life, as well as his four legged companion, Boomer. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Waters Davis (Phyllis), Roger Davis (Arlene), and Jerry Davis (Helen), and Brother-in-Law Charlie Behr (Karinne). Many family members shared Dick’s life and at the top of the list is his devoted mother-in-law Mary “Nana” Behr. Family included Mary Jo Simeone (William), Betsy Behr, Ronnie Logan (Les), Joe Behr and Terri Behr. Nieces and Nephews who brought joy to his life were Liz Logan, Lisa Adams (Toby) Kristina Straub (Sam), Katie Karl (Tom), Andrea Simeone, Caitlin Behr, Charlie Adams, Chloe Adams, and Gabriel Straub. The individuals who added additional happiness to his life and who have been supportive to the entire family, especially their significant others, are Nicole Ligman (Chad), Juan Fajardo (Caitlin) and Jeff Brooks (Liz).

Following his graduation from Forest Hill High School, Dick attended Florida Southern College before joining the Navy. There, he was stationed in Sicily and started the Armed Forces Radio. Upon his arrival back to the States, his public broadcasting really took off as his voice reached thousands. His career included a position as radio play-by-play announcer as well as GM of the WPB Expos, induction into the PBC Sports Hall of Fame, Assistant Sports Director at WPTV, anchor at WJNO sports, and (what he is known most for) announcing. The groups that were lucky enough to hear his voice echo over loud speakers included high school baseball, Atlanta Braves Spring Training, American Legion Baseball, 1996 Baseball Olympic Games, and what many know him for today, the PA announcer at Roger Dean Stadium as well as the Major League Baseball Organization, the Marlins.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23rd at the Quattlebaum Funeral, Cremation, and Event Center on Okeechobee Blvd from 5:00-8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Rita Catholic Church in Wellington on Friday, June 24th at 11:00 am, immediately followed by the Interment Ceremony at the South Florida National Cemetery on 441 in Lake Worth, starting promptly at 1:15 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center or Hospice of Palm Beach County.