Leslie “Les” Sanford, 78, of Youngsville, PA, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the John & Orpha Blair Hospice House in Warren.

He was born in Warren on July 10, 1946, son of the late Gilbert and Mayola (McNitt) Sanford. Les graduated from Youngsville High School in 1964 and Paul Smith's College in 1967. Les served in the US Army during Vietnam in the 82nd Airborne from 1967-1969. He worked for the Pennsylvania Game Commission for most of his life and was active in the Youngsville community. He was a chairman of the Youngsville Borough Planning Commission and a member of the Youngsville Rec Commission. He was also a member of the Touchdown Club that helped raise funds for the Stadium Lights at Youngsville High School. Les was a lifelong member of the EUM Church which has recently become the New Life Church. He was very involved in his church, serving on many committees.

Les was a member of Boy Scouts of America, Chief Cornplanter Council for 70 years, and Committee Chairman for Troop 31. He was a member of the Brokenstraw Fish & Game Club where he was a Hunter Safety Instructor for over 50 years. Les was a member of American Legion Post #658, the National Wildlife Turkey Federation, and a Mason at the Stillwater Lodge #547 F&AM. He was also on the Penn State Extension Board and Warren County Council of Sportsmen’s Club.

Les was a very busy man but he also enjoyed taking time to do things he enjoyed such as hunting, fishing, gardening, photographing wildflowers, and supporting his children and grandchildren. As an avid hunter, Les achieved the turkey hunting grand slam.

Les is survived by his loving wife, Betty (Nulph) Sanford for almost 55 years; his children, Michael (Aimme) Sanford of Hanover, PA, Barb (Brian) Lutton of Youngsville, and Greg (Lyndsey) Sanford of Pittsfield; his grandchildren, Jonathan, Andrew, Katimay, Joseph, Tucker and Alice and his great-grandson, Jonas.

In addition to his parents, Les is preceded in death by his brother, Gilbert Sanford, and a sister, Susan Hultman.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20th from 4-7 pm at the New Life Church, 18 Second Street, Youngsville, PA 16371. A funeral service will be held there on Friday, February 21st at 11 am with Rev. Jeff Canter, pastor, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the New Life Church, the Brokenstraw Fish and Game Club, P.O. Box 143, Youngsville, PA 16371, or to the Troop 31 BSA, 18 Second St, Youngsville, PA 16371

The Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, in Youngsville, have been entrusted with all arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at nelsonfuneralhome.net.