Raymond J. Sanders
Date of Passing:
Raymond J. Sanders
October 17, 1927 to October 1, 2022
94 Years Old
Born in Riverside, RI to Nellie (English) and Matthew F. Sanders, he is the son of a railroad engineer and a loving mother. Raymond was one of six boys. His five brothers were John, William, Donald, Jerry and Edward. All of whom predeceased their middle brother. A child of the depression Ray grew up Riverside. He attended public school, participated in sports, worked at the Crescent Park Pony Barn and attended St Brendan’s . He was elected the 1937 Riverside Boys Club “Boy of the Year.” He loved Narragansett Bay and was an accomplished waterman. He is a World War II Veteran and served as a US Navy Motor Mechanic in the Pacific Theater from 1945 to 1947. In 1949 he courted and married Carolyn Leach of Riverside, whom he had his eye on since the fifth grade. Mr. & Mrs. Sanders were married for 59 years until her death in 2009. Ray served successfully as the president of Leach Refractories Company and R.J. Sanders, Inc. both of East Providence, RI. Raymond is a 1981 graduate of The University of RI and was a long-time seasonal resident of Freedom, NH. He is a past President of Seggregansett Country Club in Dighton, MA, and a past member of the Board of Directors of Wannamoisett Country Club in Rumford, RI. He was a member of the Country Club of Brunswick, GA and had close ties to the communities of Brunswick and St Simons Island.
He is survived by his three children: Jeffery R. Sanders and his wife Tina, David F. Sanders and his wife Maureen, Carrie Rae Sanders Cetenich and her husband Steven, all of Seekonk, MA.
He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Christie Connell, Casey Oliver, Amy Eddy, Steven Patrick Cetenich, Meaghan Dennelle, Jennifer Sherry, Matthew Sanders, Jeffrey Sanders Jr., Mary Kate Burnes, Michael Sanders, and Emmalee Sanders.
He is survived by sixteen great-grandchildren; Caroline, Madison, Riley, Aidan, Jake, Jack, Bentley, Tyler, Ben, Arden, Josey, Paisley, Lila, Charlie, Colin and Ophelia, and baby Jane on the way.
He is survived by eight nieces and nephews; Donna, Paul, John, Cheryl, Cindy, Matthew, Peter and Stephanie.
His life stands as an example of hard work, self-discipline and service to others. He was the patriarch of his family, a community leader, a believer in the faith and a true friend. He accepted responsibility and did his job. His life exemplifies the time in America in which he lived. He rose above humble beginnings, served his country, achieved success and never forgot who he was. He loved America and was proud to be a member of its Greatest Generation.
His Funeral will be held on Saturday October 8, 2022 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret Catholic Church, 1081 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Wampanoag Trail, East Providence.
Calling Hours are Friday from 4-7 p.m. Immediately following the interment, the Sanders family cordially invites you to attend a reception at Wannamoisett Country Club, 96 Hoit Avenue, Rumford.
Miss you Uncle Ray. I pray for you, auntie and your children every night just as I have done since I said my prayers as a child. Love you all.
Cyndie
So sorry to hear of your loss of Ray. He was a great friend to my dad, George Geisser. RIP Ray
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ray was a great friend to my dad. Rest In Peace.
Jeff , David ,Carrie and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all today
Rest in peace my dear friend
Pete and all your friends across the pond
My sincere condolences to Jeff, David & Kerry and the entire Sanders family. Raymond was wonderful friend and will be missed
A true gentleman. What a lovely family. To David and family—my sincere condolences to you all. Both your dad and mom were so very kind.
Growing up in Riverside was special. We were surrounded by truly wonderful families!
I was very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing from my cousin who is still in the area. I will always remember the great friendship he and your Mom had with my parents. He was a very special man. Our thoughts are with you all!
Phil and Cindy Merkle
To the Sanders family my deepest sympathy and to all who knew Ray knows he lived life to the fullest and did not get cheated.
My personal success was made possible by Ray who gave me a chance when he did not have to so I say thanks to a great man I will not forget and may you Rest In Peace
My deepest condolences to you all. Mr. Sanders was one of the nicest men I had the pleasure to know. I will always cherish our morning talks over coffee. Sending you all love and support during this difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences to the Sanders family. Your dad was a gentle, kind man & we were very thankful for all he did for Jerry when he was ill.
My condolences on the loss of your Dad. What a wonderful and caring man. A gentleman’s gentleman. God’s speed and bless you all.
Growing up on Lindy Ave, there were some great Mom’s and Dad’s in the neighborhood. Ray (and your Mother) was certainly on the top of my list. Never forgot them. Condolences to all.
Ray always made me feel welcome whenever I saw him , condolences to his family I will always have a smile on my face when I think of Ray Bill Grossman
To Rays Family, so sorry for your loss. Always respected & always admired, a True member of the Greatest Generation, The man was an example personally & professionally.
Knew Ray from Wannamoisett Country Club, always a gentleman! Rest in Peace, Ray!
A wonderful, kind man. Always a pleasure to talk with him. So glad I got to know Ray. He will be deeply missed in our family and at Wannamoisett.
I say to myself I say here, here is my topnotcher ya mama dear! So many wonderful memories. I will miss him with all my being. Love and condolences to my wonderful cousins.
I wonderful man. He will be missed by all. I enjoyed every day I was with him.
Dave, Maureen and the Sander’s family, we are truly saddened to learn of Mr. Sander’s passing. As the patriarch of a large and wonderful family, he lived a long and fulfilling life with honor, courage and commitment to all he knew. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to all of his friends and family. With deep respect, Steve and Mary Ellen Talson. Crofton, Maryland.
Carrie, Steven, and family let not your hearts be troubled. Mr. Sanders lived a long and beautiful life. You will miss him dearly. Just think and remember all the love that was shared on this journey. You are loved and in my prayers.
It saddened me to read that Mr. Sanders had passed away. He was absolutely my favorite patient at the office and I always looked forward to him coming in. My deepest sympathy to your whole family. We were all so lucky to have him.
Carol Martin (retired from Dr. Cardenas’office)
So very sorry for your loss Carrie. I know how much loved him. ❤️?