Donald Sanders Sr

Donald F. Sanders Sr., 84, of Rushford, formerly of South Carolina, died Friday, November 29, 2024, at Good Shepherd in Rushford. 

Donald was born September 20, 1940, in New York, NY. He was adopted by his parents, Paul and Catherine (McDonald) Sanders. He grew up in The Bronx, and his family later moved to Queens. As a child he also spent his summers in Canada on the McDonald family farm. He was united in marriage to Susan Kogel November 5, 1966, in Jamaica, NY, and to this union 4 children were born: Mary, Catherine, Donald, Jr., and Jean Marie. Donald worked in construction, specifically heavy equipment maintenance. He was passionate and knowledgeable about his work on cranes. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, and retired after over 50 years. Throughout his life, Donald and his family lived in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and South Carolina. Most recently they moved to Rushford, MN, to be closer to family members.

Donald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Susan; children: Cathy Sanders, and Donald (Melissa) Sanders Jr.; grandchildren: William (Daun) Sanders, Amanda Sanders, Donald Sanders III, and Thomas Kewley; and sister, Patricia Ventura.

He is preceded in death by his children: Mary Sanders, and Jean Marie Sanders; and brothers, Nick and Gene Sanders.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rushford, MN with Rev. Chinnappa Pothireddy officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Interment will be held at a later date at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven, CT.