Sanford Brown

Sanford Brown, 79, of Meadville, passed away Saturday, October 10, 2026, at home with family at his side.

Sanford was born in Butler, GA on January 24, 1947, a son of the late Jack and Azzielene (Corbin) Brown.

He had been married to Helen McCracken; she preceded him in death on October 22, 2018.

A graduate of Cambridge Springs High School, Sanford entered the Marine Corps on February 23, 1968, and served his country honorably during the Vietnam War until his discharge on September 16, 1969. He was a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/one star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Rifle Marksmanship Badge. He later served in the Army Reserves. Over the years Sanford was employed by Meadville Malleable/Amcast as a grinder, worked at Bocchine's Greenhouse where he loved working with flowers and plants, owned and operated Sanford's Construction specializing in concrete work, and owned and operated Super Sam's BBQ. In addition to being a grill master, Sanford wrote the comic strip, Sammy Helmet, for the former Unity Center, he loved gardening, hunting, and fishing. He liked tinkering with his hands and had a knack for building remote controlled semis from scratch. He could be seen driving a semi or Army truck for the yearly Halloween parade and will always be remembered as the only man around to wrestle a bear three consecutive years during the Meadville sidewalk sales.

Sanford is survived by children Jody Brown (Melissa), Buffy Brown, Jaime Kinder, Shane Ream (Brigot), Tasha Perry (Travis), Michael Wescott (Linda); grandchildren Bailey Brown, Journey Brown, Sidney Brown, Julius Ream, Maxwell Brown, Olivia Kinder, Camryn Fabela, Alexander Kinder, Jack Brown, Caden Ream, Music Brown, Bryce Hudzinski, twins Mae and Eve Ream, Daphne Perry, Avery Ream, Ziggy Ream, Brenner Wescott, Cory Wescott, Jordyn Garrity, Justin Wescott, Rashawn Wescott, Casey Wescott, great grandchildren; siblings LeVonne Brown, Kay Brown Williams, Lorraine Brown, Charles Brown, Johnny Frank Henry Brown, Elvis Brown, Melvin Brown, Jason Brown; his best friend Jacque Wood and her grandson Jayden Wood; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Sanford was preceded in death by two children Brian Wescott, Connie Fabela; a grandson Paige Fabela; siblings Ernest Brown and Coley Brown.

Visitation is from 1-3 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 Chestnut St. Meadville, where Funeral services will begin at 3 PM with Full Military Honors and Pastor Larry Wofford officiating.

Sanford will be laid to rest in Greendale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of the Vietnam War-Post 52, PO Box 771, Meadville, PA 16335 or WCJ Ranch, C/O Shawn Schmitz, 8641 Grove Rd., Guys Mills, PA 16327.

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com