Obituary of Robert G. Sanders

Robert G. Sanders passed away peacefully in his home on January 28, 2024. Born in Depew, Bob was a 1953 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. He served in the United States Marine Corp and subsequently graduated from the University of Buffalo with a master’s degree in education. Bob enjoyed a long career as a beloved health and physical education teacher and basketball, baseball and track coach in the Newfane School District from 1960 until his retirement in 1993. He traveled extensively with his wife and children and met a new friend wherever he went. Still, Bob’s most treasured times were spent at home enjoying his loving family, and his proudest accomplishment was being an adoring husband, father and “Poppie”.

Bob was a devout member of St. John the Baptist RC Church where he served as a eucharistic minister and was active in the Eastern Niagara County and New York State Retired Teachers Associations. He also was an avid sports enthusiast and special fan of the Buffalo Bills and UB Bulls football and basketball teams. Bob touched everyone he met with friendly banter, genuine kindness, and infectious enthusiasm. He embraced life and focused on the positive, despite quietly suffering from severe physical ailments without complaint.

Bob was predeceased by his wife Beverly (McCauley) Sanders on March 25, 2016. He is survived by his children Kim (late Paul) Murphy, Wendy (Bradley) Lederhaus, Robert (Lisa) Sanders, and Greg (Joy) Sanders; grandchildren Brenden, and Weston Lederhaus, Eliza Sova, Natalie, Tara, and Ella Murphy, Haley and Zachary Sanders and granddaughter on the way; great grandchildren Emma Sova and Carson Lederhaus; sisters-in-law Linda (Gary) Firkins and Sharon (late Steven) Barger; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents George and Helen (McPartlin) Sanders; late sisters Shirleane Kozlowski and Joyce Knauber; and late brother-in-law Neil (Carole) McCauley.

There will be no prior visitation.  Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at St. John the Baptist RC Church, 168 Chestnut St., Lockport.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sister Helen’s Food Pantry, 160 Chestnut St, Lockport, NY 14094, would be appreciated by the family. Visit pruddenandkandt.com.