Neil F. Stafford, age 71, of Lockport NY entered into rest on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born September 26th, 1939 in Buffalo New York, he was the son of the late Cornelius and Mary Stafford.

Neil graduated from Timon High School, Buffalo New York in 1957. In 1961, he received a BS Degree in Economics from Le Moyne College, Syracuse New York. He served as Executive Director with the Washington County Redevelopment Authority and Industrial Development Agency; City Planning Associates; and the Dunkirk Urban Renewal Agency. As Executive Director for the Niagara County Department of Economic Development and Planning he oversaw the planning, tourism, and fisheries boards; Bicentennial and Agricultural Committees; Industrial Development Agency; and was a member of the Erie Niagara Regional Planning Board. Most recently, as a New York State Associate Urban Planner, he served as State Wide Coordinator for the "SHARP" Commercial Revitalization Program.

In 1985, Neil was honored with the Special Service Award from the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. In addition, he received many other honors, including Wall Street Journal Award for outstanding achievement in the Science of Economics, Alpha Sigma Nu National Honor Society Membership, and Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society of Economics Membership. He received an athletic/scholastic full scholarship to Le Moyne College where he received many awards for cross country running. He also received a full Fellowship to the University of Pittsburgh.

He served two terms as President of the Western New York State Association of Housing and Urban Renewal Officials. He served as President and as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 12. He was also the Director for the Junior Ring 12 Magic Club for youth. He was a longtime member of Saint John the Baptist Church and the Secretary of Catholics United for the Faith. Neil was an avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fan. He enjoyed photography, golf, bowling, music, genealogy, magic and astronomy.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Geraldine Stafford and children, Patricia Stafford, Debbie (Dan) Florio, Neil A. (Lisa) Stafford, and Susan (Mark) Kuligowski. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Nicole Florio, Dominic Florio, Elli Stafford, Lily Stafford, Adam Stafford, Lauren Kuligowski and Helena Kuligowski. Brother of Helen Baker, Tom Stafford and the late Bob Stafford. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport New York 14094 on Saturday October 16th from 2-4 PM and Sunday October 17th from 2-6 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint John the Baptist Church, located at 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport New York on Monday October 18th at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport New York.

Visitation

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport New York 14094 on Saturday October 16th from 2-4 PM and Sunday October 17th from 2-6 PM.

Services

A mass of Christian burial will be held at Saint John the Baptist Church, located at 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport New York on Monday October 18th at 10:00 AM.

Interment

Interment will be in Cold Springs Cemetery, Lockport New York.