Oscar Douglas Guilford

Oscar Douglas Guilford Guilford, Oscar, D. age 85, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday August 23rd at 5:45PM in Stamford, CT. He was born in Opp, Alabama on February 12, 1938 to Heddie Lee Goodwin and Douglas Guilford, who both predeceased. Oscar attended school in Opp, AL. The family later relocated to Stamford, CT. It was here that Oscar started his career working for Machlett Laboratories and then later worked for Pitney Bowes Corporation. He left Pitney Bowes when he suffered from an injury on the job. Then in 1971 he established, Mr. Guilford’s Fashions (men’s clothing store) that he owned and operated for over 45 years. Mr. Guilford became a pillar in the Stamford Community as he developed close bonds and relationships with his customers. Churches and local organizations would connect with him when they were having special events. He was a classy man who had a sense for style. He prided himself on providing his customers with the latest suit fashions. The advocate newspaper featured several stories on him regarding the success and longevity with his store. In the late 2000’s he received an award from the City of Stamford for being one of the longest running Black-Owned Businesses in the area. Oscar Guilford’s love for sports brought him joy as well. He tuned in often to watch the NY Yankees (favorite baseball team). Also, he loved bowling and played in various leagues when he was younger. Tennis was another favorite as he was an avid tennis player well into his 70’s. Last, but not least, he enjoyed attending horse races. In particular he went to the “Saratoga Invitational” for over 30 years. He is preceded in death by his brother Willie Sr. (Amelia) Guilford and four sisters, Jessie Rene Jones, Mammie Lee Douglas, Lillie Mae McGriff and Ossie Mae Tharps. Formerly married to the late Jeanette Jarrett Guilford. He is survived by their children: daughter Yolanda Johnson, of Norwalk, CT, son Val Guilford, of Norwalk CT, daughter Constance Guilford, of Eden, NC, daughter Guilda Guilford of Fairfield, CT. He is predeceased by his son Oric Guilford; five grandchildren, Monique Guilford of Norwalk, CT and Cherease (Derek) Oliver of Norwalk, CT, Carolyne (Theo) Woody of Eden, NC, Val Najee Guilford of Norwalk, CT; his sister-in-law Glory Brinkley, brother-in-law’s, Wilford “Boe” Jarrett and Charles Jarrett; his devoted nephew and nieces, Willie Jr. “Bill” (Veronica) Guilford of Seymour, CT, Amelia “Zette” Guilford of Lakeland, FL, Annie “Candy” Corbett of Christiana, TN, Brian (Hope) Brinkley, of Stamford, CT, Chandru Brinkley of Norwalk, CT and a host of great grandchildren, family members and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday August 31, 2023 from 10:00AM - 11:00AM followed by a service of celebration at 11:00AM at Union Baptist Church, 805 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Darien, CT.

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Oscar Douglas Guilford

February 12, 1938 - August 23, 2023