Obituary of Paul R. Stratford

As Paul always liked to say, "you have to be somewhere." On June 30, 2018, after a full life that experienced service to his country, strong belief in his faith, dedication to his employer and fellow employees, and total commitment to his family, Paul Russell Stratford left us for his eternal destination. Born in Forest City, PA, he was the fifth of seven children of William and Mary Ellen (Carey) Stratford. Paul served in the U S Navy during World War II, graduating first in his class at the University of Chicago Signal School. As a signalman, he served aboard merchant ships that supplied the Italian campaign and Russia. Additionally, he volunteered for mustard gas experiments. After the war, Paul joined Endicott Johnson Corporation as a pattern maker in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania. Through demonstrated management skills and knowledge, he rose within the organization to General Manager of Manufacturing for six of Endicott Johnson's plants in New York, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Upon retirement, he enjoyed spending winters in Cocoa Beach, FL where he would regularly ocean fish and golf. At home in Vestal, he became a master in woodworking, creating many beautiful furniture pieces for friends and family. His favorite times were spent with family and being "gramps" to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. For over 72 years he shared a committed marriage to his high school sweetheart, Aileen, who preceded him in death by six weeks. Each of their days was ended with "goodnight, God Bless you, I love you." He is survived by his sister Carol (Ron) Subramanian; his children Russell (Aileen) Stratford, Paul (Lisa) Stratford, and Karen (Michael) Hastings; grandchildren Russell (Yuki) Stratford, Christopher (Katie) Stratford, William (Rebecca) Stratford, Michael (Samantha) Stratford, Kristyn (Cole) Earl, Aileen (Andrew) McDermott, and Ryan (Lauren) Hastings; great grandchildren Madelaine Stratford, Case Stratford, Mia Stratford, Ben Stratford, Kody Earl, Braci Earl, Thomas Stratford, Henry Stratford, Cullen Stratford, William Davis Stratford, and Finntin Hastings, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Ellen (Carey) Stratford, his son, Dr. William Stratford, his brothers and their wives, William (Marianne) and Edward (Katherine), and his three sisters and their husbands, Anna (Joseph), Rita (Michael), and Mary Claire (Thomas). The family would like to thank all the staff of Elizabeth Church Manor for Paul's exceptional care over the last four plus years, particularly Jose, Laurie, Nancy and Michelle. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal, Tuesday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Forest City, PA on Tuesday. The family will receive friends at J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday from 5 to 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please consider making a donation in Paul's name to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760.