David Brooks Sanford, 78, of Branford, died Sept. 30. He was the husband of 54 years to the late Paula H. Sanford. He was born in East Haven on July 6, 1931, son of the late John Lawrence Sanford and Beverly Brooks Sanford. He served during the Korean War stationed in Germany as a corporal with Company D, 102nd Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He retired from the Mobil Oil Corporation's New Haven terminal as chief mechanic after more than 34 years of service.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Kimberly A. and John J. Rispoli of North Branford and his sister Jane S. DeChello of East Haven. He was predeceased by his brothers John L. Sanford, Steven R. Sanford, and Douglas W. Sanford.

Funeral service and burial were private. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. The W. S. Clancy Memorial

Funeral Home, Branford, was in charge of

arrangements.