Thomas E. Sanford

East Nassau - Thomas E. Sanford, of East Nassau, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Albany Stratton VA Medical Center.

Thomas was born in Troy, New York, the son of the late Herbert W. Sanford and Jeanne (Gardner) Sanford. He grew up on his family's dairy farm, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the land and the outdoors. The farm was the setting for countless cherished memories shared with family and friends, memories that continue to be made today. The family farm is now home to S&S Farm Brewery, a place whose success brought Thomas a tremendous sense of pride. He took great satisfaction in seeing the property continue to bring people together and create lasting memories for new generations.

Thomas dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the Rensselaer County Soil and Water Conservation District, where he served as District Manager until his retirement in 2021. Throughout his long career, he demonstrated a deep commitment to the conservation and preservation of the area's natural resources. Among his many responsibilities, Thomas oversaw the District's annual tree sales, helping to distribute countless trees throughout the region. Many of those trees have since grown and flourished and can still be seen today in the landscapes, yards, and properties we pass in our daily travels, serving as a lasting reminder of his life's work and dedication to the land.

An outdoorsman at heart, Thomas found great enjoyment in the peace and solitude of the woods. He particularly enjoyed cutting and stacking firewood, firearms, and reloading ammunition. An avid reader, he had a special fondness for stories of sea captains and the American West. His appreciation for nature extended beyond his professional career, as he enjoyed assisting Trout Unlimited with stream restoration projects, helping to preserve local waterways and their natural habitats.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Leslie (Gubitz) Sanford; his children, Katherine A. (Edward) Reilly, John T. (Jeannette) Sanford, and Anne E. (Benjamin) Douty; and his cherished grandchildren, Brendan and Emma Reilly, Ruby, Chet, and Arlo Sanford, and Joel and Kayce Douty. He is also survived by his siblings, Paul H. (Carol) Sanford, Richard G. Sanford, Kenneth A. Sanford, Shirley J. Sanford, and Phyllis (William) Krug, as well as extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tom's family from 10:00-12:00 p.m., on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Thomas P. Mooney Funeral Home, 11 Elm St. Nassau, NY 12123. A funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Nassau & Schodack Cemetery, Route 203 Nassau, NY 12123.
A reception will follow the interment at S&S Farm Brewery, 174 Middle Rd. Nassau, NY 12123.