Robert Jay Stanford

Rensselaer, NY-Robert Jay Stanford, 63, passed away on August 27th at St. Peter’s Hospice from pancreatic cancer. He was incredibly optimistic, brave, and protective of his independence throughout his illness. Born on June 11, 1959 in Albany, NY, he was the fourth child and only son of the late Robert and Joan (Whalen) Stanford. A member of the last graduating class of Vincentian Institute, he graduated in 1977 and later earned an associates degree from Charter Oak State College. Throughout his childhood and teen years he worked alongside his father on weekends learning to be an electrician. By the time he was 18, he could independently wire a house. He was an excellent mechanic, who as a young man, enjoyed fast cars with big engines. At 19, he joined the Air Force and served for 15 years as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Craftsman. Their motto: “No air power without ground power.” One of the medals he earned includes a citation outlining his “outstanding skill, knowledge, and mechanical ability” and “total dedication and exceptional professionalism.” Lucky in love, he met his wife of forty years, SunHi, after volunteering for service in Korea (because serving in the USA-only is kind of like “military light”). He adored his wife and their daughter, Judy, and they him. -SunHi says she was the lucky one. Judy, a true Daddy’s Girl, wonders what she’ll do without him, in part, because, “Dad knows everything.” Robert was also blessed with a grandchild, Brayden; they had a close, playful relationship, often sharing “Stooges Night.” He was deeply loved by his three sisters, Mary Louise, Patty, and Sharon, and his nieces and nephews will remember him fondly for his corny, goofy jokes at family get-togethers. He shared a bond with his brother-in-law. Michael, who respected his talent as an electrician and the standard of excellence in his work. Robert had two beloved dogs during his lifetime, Jake and Camden, who passed before him, but who were, no doubt, waiting to greet him on the other side. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked for Verizon for many years as a Watch Engineer, and then finished his career at the VA in Albany as a Utility System Repair Operator. He made many friends over the years, and was good at keeping in touch with them. An all around handyman, he liked working on his home in his leisure time. He also enjoyed fishing and boating with his father as a kid, and later in life, loved going to casinos with his wife. Robert is survived by his wife, Sunhi, his daughter Judy, grandson Brayden, three sisters, Mary Louise and Patty Stanford, and Sharon (Michael) Kennedy. He is also survived by his wife’s brothers and sisters in Korea, and several nieces and nephews in both the USA and Korea. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Robert’s family Wednesday, August 31, 2022 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Funeral services Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 9:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Church, Menands, NY where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at 12:00 pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Those wishing to remember Robert in a special way may send a contribution to PanCan, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhatten Beach, CA 90266.

Tributes

Robert Jay Stanford

June 11, 1959 - August 27, 2022