Obituary of Stanley E. Orford

GOUVERNEUR- Stanley E. Orford, age 95, of Gouverneur and formerly of Sylvia Lake, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown. There will be calling hours for Stan on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 11:00-1:00 at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. His funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Hailesboro Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Stan was born on November 13, 1929 in Gouverneur, NY to the late Charles Herbert and Rena Kathleen (Tuttle) Orford. He graduated in 1947 from Gouverneur High school as president of his class. Stan married Joanne M. Watson on September 25, 1954 at the Edwards Methodist Church. He entered into the United States Army in 1955 and was stationed in Fort Knox, KY 3rd Armored Division and then went to Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1957. Stan worked at the Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association for 32 years as the Director of the Board and Secretary of the Board. He was the originator of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Nelson Winters Chamber of Commerce, the Luncheon Club, American Legion Post 65, former member of the Presbyterian Church, he participated in the rural softball league, the rural 8 Ball Pool League, Gouverneur Country Club, Emerald Greens Country Club and he bowled in the Men's League. Stan was also vice president of the Board of Education for 12 years; he ran the Syracuse Harold and Post Standard out of Gouverneur and Ogdensburg. He and his wife Joanne also enjoyed spending winters in Tucson, AZ and Lake Placid, FL. Surviving is his wife, Joanne Orford; a son, Stanley E. Orford II and Christopher Santo; four daughters, Joyce M. Orford, Valerie A. and Richard Robb, Laurie J. and David Harter and Diane R. and David Link; two sisters, Vivian Tessmer and Dorothy Orford; 10 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Stan is predeceased by his parents; two brothers, Vern E. Orford and Emerson C. "Doc" Orford; and two sisters, Sally Swarthout and Bethany Orford.