Obituary of Robert M. Stafford

Robert M. "Bob" Stafford, 94, passed away on August 7, 2017, in Florida. Bob was a POW in WWII, serving with the Air Force in Germany. During the Berlin Crisis in 1961, the 174th was activated and deployed to Phalsbourg Air Base in France. This was the largest movement of jet fighter aircraft in Europe since WWII. The unit was again called up during the Pueblo Crisis and was deployed to Cannon AFB in New Mexico. Bob retired as technician and flight chief after 30 years with the 174th tactical fighter wing, known as "The Boys of Syracuse." Bob was an active member of the VFW Post 1955 and American Legion Post 1468. He also served on the Republican Committee, and was a former member of IOOB and Redfield Mad River Game Club. Bob is survived by his daughter, Wendy (Scott) Hay of Spring Hill, FL, and wife, Dorothy Stafford of Vero Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn M. Stafford, in 2001. Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205. A memorial service will immediately follow at noon at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org, or the ASPCA at www.aspca.org/donate. To express sympathy, please visit www.ballweg-lunsford.com.