Staniforth's son Tom (1980–2001) was also a footballer.
He was a professional with Sheffield Wednesday, but never played a competitive first team game.
He was however a first team substitute on six occasions, including games against Manchester United and Arsenal.
He died in York on the night of 20 August 2001, aged 20, having collapsed in the street after complaining of headaches.
On 31 January 2002, a local man—and former York City youth team goalkeeper—was charged with supplying ecstasy to Tom Staniforth.
The man was later acquitted on this charge after the prosecution failed to offer any evidence against him.
Since his son's death, Gordon Staniforth has been involved in anti-drug campaigning.

His daughter, Lucy Staniforth, plays in the FA WSL for Manchester United and is also an England international who featured in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France.
Lucy wears number 37—Tom's old Sheffield Wednesday squad number.
After hitting the first goal in Lincoln Ladies' 3–0 WSL win at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Lucy revealed a T-shirt paying tribute to Tom on the tenth anniversary of his death.
Staniforth's son Tom (1980–2001) was also a footballer. He was a professional with Sheffield Wednesday, but never played a competitive first team game. He was however a first team substitute on six occasions, including games against Manchester United and Arsenal. He died in York on the night of 20 August 2001, aged 20, having collapsed in the street after complaining of headaches. On 31 January 2002, a local man—and former York City youth team goalkeeper—was charged with supplying ecstasy to Tom Staniforth. The man was later acquitted on this charge after the prosecution failed to offer any evidence against him. Since his son's death, Gordon Staniforth has been involved in anti-drug campaigning.
His daughter, Lucy Staniforth, plays in the FA WSL for Manchester United and is also an England international who featured in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France. Lucy wears number 37—Tom's old Sheffield Wednesday squad number. After hitting the first goal in Lincoln Ladies' 3–0 WSL win at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Lucy revealed a T-shirt paying tribute to Tom on the tenth anniversary of his death.
Gordon Staniforth