Obituary of Patrick R. Sanford Sr.

Patrick R. Sanford Sr. 62 of Conneaut, OH passed away on March 14, 2025 at Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania after a tragic accident. Pat was born in Conneaut, OH on April 26, 1962 to Charles "Ed" and Kathleen "Kay" (Remmel) Sanford. He was a 1982 graduate of Conneaut High School. After High School Pat enlisted in the United States Army for 4 years followed by 8 years in the Ohio Army National Guard. He was very proud of the time he spent serving his country. Throughout his adult life Pat was a tough but highly respected wrestling and football coach. He touched countless lives during his time coaching and was no stranger to hearing "Hey Coach" while out and about. His coaching career started in 1986 with Conneaut Cougar Wrestling and eventually expanded to Conneaut Middle and High School Wrestling, and St John Wrestling. He also coached CLYO youth football for numerous years. Coaching youth sports was truly Pat's happy place. On Father's Day weekend while his niece's and children were racing you could find him on Broad Street hill carrying and loading Soap Box Derby cars onto the ramps. Pat was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Kay; and two grandchildren, Thomas DeMarco and Stella Scalise. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Bryan) Scalise and Patrick Sanford Jr.; granddaughter, Amelia Scalise; brothers, Chuck Sanford, Steve Sanford, Mike Sanford, and Michael Sanford; sisters, Peggy Bish, and Karen Mick; step-daughter, Madison Gildersleeve; step-grandson, Beckham Tomcanny; and many nephews and nieces. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 5PM-7PM at Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St. Conneaut. No formal services will be observed. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to his family. Online obituary and condolences may be left at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com