Massena: William A. Saunders, age 90, passed away peacefully at University of Vermont Health Network Alice Center late Sunday evening (June 25, 2017). As per Bill’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or services. A graveside service will be held for Bill in Holy Name Cemetery, Tupper Lake at a later date.
William A. Saunders was born on July 18, 1926 to the late James and Elsie (Hanson) Saunders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Bill grew up in New York City and he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17, and was honorably discharged after serving his country proudly during WWII. Bill married the love of his life Elaine Laramay on December 27, 1947 in Faust, NY at the Holy Name Church with the late Rev. Dennis Finnegan presiding. They began there family as Bill worked for Brown-Lip Gear Co. a division of General Motors in Syracuse during the early 1950’s. The family relocated to Massena where he was the twelfth man hired to work at the newly built GM Central foundry and later GM Powertrain Plant, retiring as a finial inspector at the age of 62.
Bill was a founding member of the AMVETS Post #4 Rifle Squad and past financial officer. A lifetime member of the Massena VFW post #1143 and a communicant of St. Mary’s Church. An avid outdoorsman, Bill loved to go camping and spend time with his family.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife, Elaine and their two son, Scott A Saunders of Massena, and James A. and wife Mary Saunders of Pendleton SC, a grandson Brandon Saunders and brother in-law Norman and wife Kay Laramay of Moria, NY, along with nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister Frances Wasserman.
Memorial contribution in Bill’s name may be shared with American Diabetes Association; 6390 Fly Road, 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, New York, 13057 or the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York;
441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204-1361.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com