Eugene C. Stafford

Eugene C. Stafford, D.Ed

Gene Stafford, of Caledonia, NY, passed away on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 30, 1936 in New Berlin, NY to Donald and Alma (Walling) Stafford. He graduated from the Ilion High School in Ilion, NY in 1955 and went on to attend SUNY Oswego, graduating in 1959 with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Arts/Technology Education. Gene pursued a career in education; teaching in the Frankfort-Schuyler Central School District and at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, NY. He proudly earned his Doctorate in Education from Penn State University in 1975. He met his wife, Joann, while teaching in 1959 and they shared a wonderful life together for 65 years. Gene served his country from 1960 to 1965 in the Army National Guard.

Gene was an avid gardener and reader. He enjoyed learning, particularly on the subjects of nature, geology, and farming. He was known for making lists and adopted the philosophy of “reduce,reuse, recycle” before it became popular. He was a caring and kind individual who thought of others first. He enjoyed singing and was an active member in his church choir at Central Presbyterian Church, Avon,NY. He joined Genesee Country Museum and Village’s Harmonics Society and sang there from 1999-2020. Gene’s greatest love in life was his family and he received the most joy when spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, puttering around his yard.

Gene is survived by his wife Joann, his son David (Sharon), his daughter Amy (Mark) Firkins, grandchildren Emily (Harold) Neale, Daniel (Stephanie) Stafford, Thomas, Caroline, and Travis Firkins and his great-grandchildren; Eva, Galen, Basil, and Ronan Neale. He is also survived by several extended family members including brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, along with his childhood friend, Bill Seibert.

Gene was predeceased by his parents Donald and Alma Stafford, his in-laws, Fred and Eva Augar, his brother Richard and sister-in-law, Peg Stafford, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Nyla and Ed Clark, brother-in-law Doug Augar, and sister-in-law Dianne Louvet.

A memorial service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church, 133 Genesee St, Avon, NY 14414 on July 21st at 11:00 am. A private internment will be held for family at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Gene’s wishes are that donations are made to the Caledonia Library Association,3108 Main St, Caledonia, NY 14423 to spread the love of reading to others or Central Presbyterian Church,133 Genesee St, Avon, NY 14414, because of the role faith played in his daily life.