Donald E. Sanderson, born March 21, 1937, in Hartford, Connecticut, to the late Edward and Irene (Blomstrand) Sanderson, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2022, in Ocala, Florida.
Don grew up in Newington, CT and was a 1955 graduate of Newington High School. Following four years in the US Air Force, Don attended the Ward School of Electronics and was employed by IBM until his retirement. Don and Kathy were married on May 25, 1963, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hartford, CT. Job transfers brought them to Hyde Park, NY, for 17 years and Lexington, KY for another 17 years. They retired to Ocala, Florida in 1999.
Don volunteered at Advent Hospital in Ocala and was active in the Ocala Palms Worship Community where he served as a Deacon. Sitka Lutheran Church in Sitka, AK, where he and Kathy served as a Summer Volunteers on several occasions, holds a special place in their hearts. He enjoyed reading, golfing and playing cards with friends. Don and Kathy enjoyed traveling and cruising where they met many people who have become dear friends. He was a soccer enthusiast his whole life, as a player, a coach to his kids and a spectator at his children’s and grandchildren’s games. He was a diehard University of Kentucky sports fan.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Irene Sanderson; his sister and brother-in-law, Audrey and Norman Heller; and his brother, Russell Sanderson. Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathleen (May) Sanderson; son, Eric Sanderson (Tammy) of Hilliard, Ohio; daughter, Karen Hill (Christian) of Powell, Ohio; son, Carl Sanderson (Dalena) of Dublin, Ohio; two granddaughters, Mia Hill and Alexa Hill; sister-in-law and husband, Linda and Frank Javarauckas of Connecticut; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He enjoyed the company of many close friends who shared special moments with him throughout his life.
Per his request, there will be no memorial service at this time. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many supportive friends and family, and the staff of West Marion Community Hospital and Cates Hospice House.
Memorial gifts may be made in Don’s name to Sitka Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 598, Sitka, AK 99835; Ocala Palms Worship Community, P.O. Box 2775, NW 49th Ave, Suite 205-149, Ocala, FL, 34482; or Interfaith Emergency Services, P.O. Box 992, Ocala, FL 34478.