Northborough/Boylston – Albert “Sandy” E. Sanders III, of Northborough/Boylston, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015. He was born Oct, 24, 1927, in Worcester, the son of Martha (Kobell) Sanders and Albert E. Sanders Jr., and lived in Shrewsbury, moving to Northborough when he was in the eighth grade. He graduated from Northborough High School in 1945.
During high school he worked at Juniper Hill Golf Course and continued there after graduation. During the fall of 1945, he went on active duty in the U.S. Army and returned to the Golf Course in 1947. In conjunction with his work as superintendent, he completed winter courses at UMass Amherst. He retired from the golf course in 1996, with over 50 years of service.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Mildred T. (Jones) Sanders. Sons and daughters of the Sanders/Nelson family: Steven Sanders and his wife, Sheila, of Londonderry, N.H.; David Sanders and his wife, Alexandra of Durham, N.C.; Bruce Sanders and his wife, Deborah of Martinsburg, W.V.; Deborah (Sanders) Brossi and her husband, Stephen of Hudson; Brian Sanders of Northborough; Eric Sanders and his wife, Andrea of Shrewsbury; Janet (Nelson) Keown and her husband, Joseph of Ellington, Conn.; Charles Nelson and his wife Virginia of Fairfield, Iowa; William Nelson and his wife, Eileen of Boylston; and James Nelson and his wife, Susan of Charlton. He will be greatly missed by his 18 grandchildren, Kim, Mark, Dawn, Dave Jr., Jennifer, Joshua, Tony, Ben, Erica, Ross, Michele, Amanda, Allison, Will, Mike, Peter, Jeff and Tim; and by his 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Dahlberg and her husband, Karl.
A long-time member of Trinity Church, Al served in many capacities over the years. He belonged to the United States Golf Course Superintendents Association, as well as the Massachusetts organization. For many years, he was a member of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, a fraternal organization, which also sponsored the American Children’s Home in North Carolina. He was a member of the Friends of the Northborough Senior Center, Inc., and for many years volunteered with the meals-on-wheels program. He also enjoyed volunteering as a member of the Northborough Helping Hands Association, Inc.
Above all, he enjoyed his family and was a great Dad, leading by example and with encouragement and support. His interests included many years of round dancing and square dancing, travel, camping and travel with a trailer, and dining out with friends or family. He especially enjoyed all the family vacations and get-togethers.
He will be greatly missed by all.
Calling hours are Monday, Jan. 12, from 4-7 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A memorial service will take place Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Church, 23 Main St., Northborough. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Church.
To offer an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
