MILFORD - Norman John Stapleford, died peacefully at home, in Milford, surrounded by his family on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Norman was born in Wilmington, on Aug. 31, 1944, son of the late Norman James Stapleford and Gladys (Carson) Stapleford Sansone. Norman was retired, as a carpenter, from Birdnest Builders, owned by Clarence Voshell, of Felton. In addition to his parents, Norman was preceded in death by a brother, Mark E. Stapleford; and sister, Carol Fioravanti. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Myrtle Dempsey Stapleford; three daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn A. (Randy G.) Messick, Patricia G. (Steven A.) Pierce, all of Milford, and Tracy (Michael A.) Huey, of Greenwood; five grandchildren, Randy and Emily Messick, Dalton Pierce, Samantha and Michaela Huey; a great-granddaughter, Raven Messick; one brother, Joseph Stapleford, Frederica; two sisters, Mary Quinn of New Castle County, and Kathleen Delgado of Cheswold; seven half-brothers, John, James and Rick Sansone; Elmer, Samuel, Robert and John Stapleford; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and extended family. A funeral service will be 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 6, 2012, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Homes, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, with visitation after 6 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the funeral home, to help defray expenses.