Wilfred E. Bamford, 89 of Salem, NH passed to eternal life surrounded by family at his home on Monday, May 4th after valiantly battling a long series of illnesses.

He will be sorrowfully missed by his devoted wife of 65 years, Gertrud (Schattner) Bamford, daughter Monica Bamford of Alexandra VA, son Timothy and wife Roswitha of Germany, son Christopher and wife Patricia of Salem, NH, his six Grandchildren, Michael, Christina, Ellen, Sonja, Jillian and Elisabeth, his four Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Grandchildren all spanning 3 countries & 3 states. He will be sadly missed by his brother Phillip Bamford of CA and sister Helen Couture of Lawrence MA.

Wilfred was predeceased by his daughter Eva-Maria Bamford and brother Albert Bamford.

Wilfred was born at home in Methuen MA, son of the late Irene (Hamel) and James Albert Bamford. Wilfred was raised in Methuen and was a parishioner of Mt. Carmel Church. Educated in Methuen he played football for Methuen High School, receiving MVP in 1948 and later played football for the US Airforce.

After High School, Wilfred briefly served as a US Marine and then served 30 years in the US Air Force, retiring as SMSGT. He served his country as a Computer Operations Manager as early as 1960. Although honored to serve in the US Air Force, his greatest privilege was meeting his devoted wife, Gertrud at Landstuhl Air Base, now known as Ramstein Air Force Base.

Wilfred and Gertrud went on to be blessed with four children, twins Eva-Maria & Monica, Timothy and Christopher. While in the Service, Wilfred attended University of Maryland achieving his teaching certificate. After being stationed at countless locations, Wilfred and Gertrud settled in Salem NH in 1974 where he selflessly served his community.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Church, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Bishop Peterson Council #4442 and Methuen's St. Monica's Knights of Columbus #4027. Wilfred was a enthusiastic member of the Kiwanis Club of Salem, NH, VFW Post #8546, AMVETS Post #2, American Legion Post #63 and Crimeline of Southern NH.

Due to the current health crisis, services will be private and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. The funeral service will be live streamed Friday, May 8 ^th at 11:00 AM. To view the service, please view on our website, www.douglasandjohnson.com . The service will appear in the lower right side of our website once we begin livestreaming. Arrangements are under the care of Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wilfred's name may be made to: St. Joseph Food Pantry. Please send checks payable to Sts. Mary and Joseph Parish. 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH 030790. Please put Food Pantry on the memo line.

To send a message of condolence to the family and to check for updated service information, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com