Dennis Sanders

Dennis L. Sanders
USN Retired
Erie - Dennis L. Sanders passed away in his home on Thursday, March 16, 2023 after a long battle with cancer at the age of 81. He was born on November 27th 1941 and is preceded in death by parents Howard and Ethel (Hewitt) Sanders, his in-laws Clayton and Virginia Baker, brother in laws James Hetherington and Jeffrey Baker.

After graduating from Technical Memorial High School in 1960, Dennis proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Hancock including two tours in Vietnam. After completing a Tool and Die apprenticeship and working for Anson Tool and Gauge, Dennis founded Sanders Tool Company in 1980 with his wife and ran the business for nearly 30 years. He was an active member of the Society of Plastic Engineers, NW PA Chapter and served as president and treasurer. In his retirement, Dennis volunteered for 12 years and over 6000 hours at the Erie VA Medical Center. Those who knew Dennis best understood that volunteering and serving at the VA meant the world to him.

Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time at the family cabin and was an active member of St John’s Lutheran Church. Most of all Dennis cherished and loved his wife of 55 years. Laurel was the love of his life.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Laurel Baker Sanders, their three children Melissa Ellis and her husband Jon of North Carolina, Christopher Sanders and his wife Elizabeth of Erie, PA and Michael Sanders of Pittsburgh, PA. Dennis had 7 beloved grandchildren Hannah, Jonas, Olivia, Rachel, Sofia, Vivian, and Clayton. He is also survived by his brother in laws David Baker and his wife Mary, Thomas Baker and his wife Kim, and sister in laws Carol Hetherington and Michele Baker along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Dennis Sanders can be made to the Erie VA Medical Center, 135 East 38th Street, Erie PA 16504 and mailed to the attention of Voluntary Services.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th Street on Sunday, March 19th from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and are invited to attend the Funeral mass at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2216 Peach St, Erie, PA 16502, on Monday, March 20th, 2023 at 10 am.

Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.