Obituary for William Edward "Bill" Saunders Jr.
After a courageous three year battle with cancer, William Edward Saunders Jr., 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.
William was born in North Adams on June 29, 1950 a son of the late William Edward Sr & Alice Lillian (Walker) Saunders. He attended local schools and graduated from McCann Technical High School and North Adams State College as a software engineer. He married his beloved wife, Diane (Rarick) Saunders on July 24, 1971.
After 43 years at General Dynamics he retired in 2013 as a software engineer. He also was a licensed electrician and enjoyed building things as well as working on his home and his children’s. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing his guitar especially at Christmas, singing carols with his family.
Before his illness, he enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean Islands with his wife. He visited Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Croix and Punta Cana. He also enjoyed going to the casino especially in Atlantic City.
While undergoing treatments, Bill’s most important goal was being able to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, Christopher at baseball, Madison at soccer and softball and Cameron at basketball. He was so proud of their accomplishments.
He leaves behind his wife, Diane (Rarick) Saunders, daughters, Tricia Saunders, Tammy Barosso (Michael) and his son Ryan Saunders (Lynn). He also leaves Ryan Costine who he thought of as a second son. William also leaves his grandchildren, Christopher Barosso and Madison and Cameron Saunders; his brother, Donald Saunders ( Karen), sisters Marcia Ray (Larry) and Susan Grande (Charles) as well as his good friend Bob Belanger, and beloved puppies Sasha and Maverick as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A service to celebrate the life of William Saunders Jr. will be on Tuesday November 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Flynn & Dagnoli – WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-7 PM. Donations may be made to POPCARES through the funeral home.
William was born in North Adams on June 29, 1950 a son of the late William Edward Sr & Alice Lillian (Walker) Saunders. He attended local schools and graduated from McCann Technical High School and North Adams State College as a software engineer. He married his beloved wife, Diane (Rarick) Saunders on July 24, 1971.
After 43 years at General Dynamics he retired in 2013 as a software engineer. He also was a licensed electrician and enjoyed building things as well as working on his home and his children’s. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and playing his guitar especially at Christmas, singing carols with his family.
Before his illness, he enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean Islands with his wife. He visited Aruba, Bahamas, Jamaica, Bermuda, Tortola, St. Thomas, St. Croix and Punta Cana. He also enjoyed going to the casino especially in Atlantic City.
While undergoing treatments, Bill’s most important goal was being able to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events, Christopher at baseball, Madison at soccer and softball and Cameron at basketball. He was so proud of their accomplishments.
He leaves behind his wife, Diane (Rarick) Saunders, daughters, Tricia Saunders, Tammy Barosso (Michael) and his son Ryan Saunders (Lynn). He also leaves Ryan Costine who he thought of as a second son. William also leaves his grandchildren, Christopher Barosso and Madison and Cameron Saunders; his brother, Donald Saunders ( Karen), sisters Marcia Ray (Larry) and Susan Grande (Charles) as well as his good friend Bob Belanger, and beloved puppies Sasha and Maverick as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A service to celebrate the life of William Saunders Jr. will be on Tuesday November 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Flynn & Dagnoli – WEST CHAPEL 521 West Main St. North Adams, MA. Calling hours will be on Monday from 4-7 PM. Donations may be made to POPCARES through the funeral home.