Sanford Taffet

Sanford Taffet, 92, of Lakewood died March 26, 2013. Born in Newark, he was a resident of West Orange for many years.

For several decades, Mr. Taffet was the owner/operator of Taffet Shoe Corp. in Newark. He was also employed for a time at McElgunn Men’s Clothing in Summit.

He graduated with a degree in accounting from New York University and earned a certificate in electrical engineering from Temple University.

He was a World War II veteran who landed in Normandy on D-Day. He was a crystal grinder attached to the 54th Airborne. During the war, he climbed to the top of the Eiffel Tower to place a crystal on it for military communications. He was decorated several times during his military service, receiving the Bronze Star medal, Purple Hearts, and the Silver Star, which was personally given to him by Eisenhower.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rhoda (Schneider); his son, Greg of Florida; his daughter, Nancy Kaswin of Edison; and four grandchildren.

Services were held on March 28 with arrangements by Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union.