Belvidere, ILRobert J. Sanford, 61, of Belvidere, IL died peacefully in his home, Tuesday October 16, 2012, from natural causes. Robert was born March 20, 1951 in Rockford, IL the son of Howard J. and Kathryn (Maroney) Sanford. He married Theresa L. Merfeld on May 30, 1981 in Belvidere, IL. Robert was a sales representative for Genuine Parts Corporation (GPC) . He graduated from Western Illinois University with degrees in Physical Education and History. Bob coached Belvidere Youth Baseball (BYB) in the Pony and Colt Leagues and refereed high school football for 33 years. Robert served on the Belvidere Park District board in 1983 and remained active in the sports community for the kids.Robert is loved and will be missed by his wife Theresa of Belvidere; daughter Jennifer Sanford of Boston, MA; godson Troy VandenBroek of Belvidere; best friend Hal (Bev) Larson of Belvidere; Sister in-law Madonna ( Lee) Cochran; brothers in-law Rob (Kellie) Merfeld, William (Rick) Merfeld, Paul (Diana) Merfeld. Robert is predeceased by his parents and father in-law Robert Merfeld.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Belvidere Park District or Belvidere Youth Baseball, in Robert's memory.