ALBANY – Robert P. Saunders, 85, of Albany, a longtime resident of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 20, 2021. Robert was born in Glen Cove, the son of the late Arthur and Anna Zimmerman Saunders. He and his wife Ruth met at Cortland State Teachers College and moved to Middletown in 1958 to start their teaching careers. In more than three decades with Middletown City Schools, Robert taught science, served as junior high principal for many years and retired as interim superintendent. He was a longtime member and president of the local Rotary International chapter, leader of the Orange-Rockland Travel Club, longtime member of the Elks and the Masonic Lodge, and member of the Wanaksink Lake Club. He enjoyed bowling, golfing and fishing at his lake home and in Albany was a communicant of All Saints Catholic Church and the former Holy Cross Church. In 2001, Robert and his wife moved to Albany to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren. Nothing was more important to them than spending time with their family and watching their grandchildren grow up.
Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Ruth Ann Griffin Saunders, in 2004. He is survived by his daughters Sylvia O’Brien and husband Tim, and Renee Golderman and husband Phil of Albany; and by five grandchildren: Sean, Eric, Maggie, Rebecca and Jamie. He was also predeceased by his sister Ruth Adamo and her husband John.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home on Sunday prior to the service from 3-5 p.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, on Monday. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
This is Robert’s video tribute:
Ralph and Verna Staples
The times we visited Bob and Ruth at their home and at camp were very special. They were great hosts. Our children Gregory and Bethany we young at the time. They enjoyed going fishing, sailing and making smores around the camp fire with family. Bob was truly an exceptional person. He was very positive, cheerful, and a joy to have known. He will be greately missed. May God Bless the family at this time. Ralph and Verna Staples
Verna Staples
Bob and I became friends through email. The contact came through Bob’s cousin Ralph and his wife Verna Staples. We emailed and talked on the phone for 12 years. The smile and caring in his voice was a joy to hear. The memories are good. The pictures of family he sent made me feel as if I knew them. He was such a gentleman and will be missed.
Earlene Pelton
Gary Leather
I will always remember the 8 years I taught in Middletown and Bob was the principal. My sincere condolence to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family.
maryliz
remember bob fondly at Renee’s wedding . He and Ruth such a
lovely couple ! i am so sorry for your loss Renee, sylvia and family! sending love and hugs from Boston ! i do know you both were such a support to your dad after the loss of your mom such wonderful daughters ! RIP bob xo love maryliz , jeff and family xo
John Perrino
I worked for Mr. Saunders many years as a faculty member. Bob had a collegial style of management. He never belittled anyone and all views were respected. He was also a great educator and developed many programs for students. Additionally, Bob and his wife,Ruth, also an educator had the respect of staff,students, and the community.
Cynthia Garvey Gabler
Sylvia, My sincere condolences to you at the loss of your father. He was a good man. May you find comfort and solace in your memories.
Barbara Crawford
Farewell to a true gentleman who I had known since kindergarten at the Landin School in Glen Coe NY. What an amazing person who left a legacy of a beautiful family. He adored them all.
Barbara Romano Crawford
Mercer Island, Washington