Michael Stafford-6-13-2025

Michael Palmer Stafford, age 65, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Born on June 14, 1959, Michael lived a life full of dedication, service, and quiet determination. Known affectionately by many as "the guy with the bike," he was a man of many passions from computer science and process improvement to cycling, church service, and coaching youth sports.

After graduating from Neptune High School in 1977, Michael attended Brookdale Community College, where he discovered his calling in computer science. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in the field from Stockton State College in 1983, after interning at the renowned Bell Labs. He began his professional career there and continued on with Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) in Piscataway, where he specialized in programming business applications and the software development of their corporate personnel systems.

Michael had a lifelong love for cycling, often riding over 100 miles a week in earlier years. He was also an avid chess player, drawn to the game's strategy and challenge, and a devoted Raiders fan, proudly cheering them on every season.

Michael was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Palmer Blue Stafford and Osburne Stafford, whose values of strength, service, and humility shaped the man he became.

Above all, Michael was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred; five children Naomi, Manuel, Lore, Nicole, and Michael Jr.; four cherished grandchildren; and four siblings in North Carolina. He also leaves behind a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly. His legacy of love, encouragement, and curiosity lives on through them.

Michael will be remembered for his warm laugh, his deep loyalty, and the way he always showed up for his family, his coworkers, his community. His legacy is one of kindness, curiosity, and care, and his presence will be deeply felt.