In Loving Memory of Barry Daniel Sandford

Barry Sandford, born April 27, 1951, in Newark, New Jersey, passed away on April 2, 2026. He was the son of Lloyd Sandford and Dr. May Daniels Sandford. He grew up in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and spent childhood summers at the Bronx Zoo, where his father worked as an artist. As a boy, Barry was a Boy Scout and loved exploring the wildlife of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. After high school, he served as a volunteer firefighter and worked at Otis Elevator.

In 1975, Barry moved to Maine and, through humble beginnings, demonstrated that hardwork and determination could lead to success. He took on odd jobs and worked as a grocery clerk at the Skowhegan IGA. During this time, he met the love of his life, Rebecca, and the two were married in 1978.

In the late 1970s, Barry joined the Cedar Program and later worked as a mapmaker and land surveyor for SLF in Skowhegan. He subsequently became a member of Local 4, helping construct nuclear power plants and paper machines throughout the region.

In 1987, Barry and Buckie purchased Pine State Drilling. Under Barry’s leadership, Pine State Drilling grew from a small local operation into one of the region’s most respected well drilling companies. Working alongside his son, he expanded the business to include water filtration, hydrofracking, and geothermal services, establishing Pine State Drilling as a trusted name throughout the area. Because of his influence in the industry, Barry was a key advocate for the ground water industry, lobbying in Washington D.C. for the National Ground Water Association. During his tenure as President of the Maine Ground Water Association, he also left a lasting impact on the industry.

Barry retired in 2017 and later sold Pine State Drilling to his son, Chad. Even in retirement, he remained deeply involved in the business he had built, continuing to assist customers, offer guidance, and help wherever he was needed. His dedication to both his work and the people he served never wavered. Retirement allowed Barry to enjoy spending winters in Florida, where he enjoyed golfing, painting, and most recently pottery. He also continued to play the dulcimer, an instrument he had cherished throughout his life.

Above all else, Barry treasured the time he spent with family and friends. He was known for his warm, outgoing personality and genuine interest in others. Barry never met a stranger. He had a remarkable gift for making connections and would gladly strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Barry had a generous spirit, kind heart, and willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He gave his time and knowledge freely whether it was helping friends and family with handyman projects or teaching art and pottery classes.

Barry is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca “Buckie” Sandford; his daughter, Jennifer Bishop, and her husband, Terry Bishop, and their children, Hayden and McKenna; his son, Chad Grignon, and his wife, Veronique Grignon, and their children, Antoine, Isabelle, Chloee, and Adele; his sister, Betty Ditillo; and his nephews, Anthony and Adam Ditillo.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Amanda Sandford, whose memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 5, 2026, at 2pm, at Chad’s home, 181 Fox Hill Road, Athens, Maine. Family and friends are welcome to join in honoring Barry and sharing cherished memories.