Bruce Fitch Sanford

Bruce Fitch Sanford passed away on May 23, 2025, and lived a life full of dedication and service to his family and community. 

Bruce grew up in Riverhead, attending Riverhead schools, graduating in 1959.  He and Janet started dating during their freshman year, and was voted "Class Couple."  During his high school years, Bruce was an excellent athlete, excelling in baseball, football, and basketball.

Bruce attended Dean Jr. College and worked briefly as an agricultural inspector before joining the Army where he served for 4 years.  After returning to Riverhead, he entered banking at Riverhead Savings Bank, where he became a Sr. Vice President and Security Officer.  He was well-respected and beloved by his coworkers and the community.  

He was a devoted and involved family man - a son, husband, brother, father, Pop-Pop - who showed unconditional love and support and was always the biggest fan and cheerleader for his people.  

Bruce is predeceased by his mother Dorthy Raynor and father Walter H. Sanford as well as his sister Nancy Ferguson. Bruce is survived by his wife Janet Sanford, three children Bonnie (Paul) Clapprood, Bruce W. Sanford and Wendy (Tom) Columbus. He was a devoted Pop-Pop to Amanda, Bruce R., Andrew (AJ), Tyler, Tanner and Brycen. In addition, Bruce is survived by his sister Shirley Braun. 

From the age of 14, Bruce became an avid fan of stock car racing, and Saturday nights found him at the local Riverhead Race Track.  This hobby led him to an impressive collection of models, wall art, photos and phot albums.  Two items on his bucket list he fulfilled were working with the restoration team of Charlie Jarzombek's Vega and actually getting behind the wheel to race a Legend Car at Riverhead Raceway.  

Bruce was well known in the community, frequenting and supporting local businesses - Snowflake, Jerry and the Mermaid, Papa Nick's, Rendezvouz, Lolly's Hut, Bookstores, 7-11 - to name a few.  People would greet him by name and have his order ready for him.  

For all his family and friends, the memories of time spent with Bruce will forever be cherished.  

The family has suggested that in Lieu of Flowers, a donation be made in Bruce's memory to one of the following:

First Congregational Church of Riverhead

103 !st Street

Riverhead, NY 11901

(631) 727-2621

East End Hospice

481 Westhampton-Riverhead Rd

Westhampton Beach, NY 119778

(631) 288-8400

Victory Junction

4500 Adams Way

Randleman, NC 27317

(336) 498-9055