Former Stafford-Smith CEO David J. Stafford Remembered

It is with heavy hearts that FEDA shares news of the passing of David J. Stafford, the second-generation leader of Stafford-Smith, Inc.

Stafford spent more than 40 years in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. His career began in 1969, when he joined his family’s business working in the vending machines segment. Stafford took over from his father, David D. Stafford, as owner and CEO in 1982 and focused on expanding the equipment and supplies distribution business. In the four decades since, Stafford-Smith has grown to become one of the country’s largest foodservice equipment and supplies distributors.

Stafford stepped away from the company’s day-to-day operations in the mid-2000s and was succeeded as CEO by his son, David M. Stafford. In 2012, he was inducted into Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine's Hall of Fame.

Stafford is remembered as a prominent and beloved figure in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry. He passed away peacefully Saturday morning, Aug. 1. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.