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Richard “RJ” John Sanderson

1930 - 2020

Posted

Richard, 90, passed on November 16, 2020 in Surprise, Arizona, due to natural causes. RJ was born on August 9, 1930 in Oneida, N.Y. to Clarence Henry and Vera Beard Sanderson.
He served his country beginning in 1948 when he joined the New York National Guard and then volunteered from 1952 thru 1956 during the Korean conflict in the United States Air Force.
Mr. Sanderson, dedicated his entire teaching career to the students at Liberty Elementary School located west of Buckeye, AZ. He began his career teaching 4th grade and physical education and then later taught many students in his 7th grade classroom at the top of the stairs in the historical Liberty school building.
RJ is survived by his wife, Rachel of 66 years; children: Patti (Aubrey) Young, Bekah (John) Ezell, and John (Kimberly) Sanderson; along with 10 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren; his younger sister, Jeanette Olson; and lifelong friend, Sam Peak also survive him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Vera, and dearly loved aunts and uncles of Oneida Castle, N.Y.
The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregiver, Lilly at “All Care Assisted Living Home”.
Funeral arrangements were provided by Surprise Funeral Care, Dignity Memorial in Surprise, AZ.