Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1943
DIED
2011
Peter Sanborn Obituary
Rev. Peter Russell Sanborn died on June 13, 2011 in Melbourne, FL, his home for seventeen years. He was 67 years old.
Peter was born in Woonsocket, RI on December 1, 1943 to Rev. Arthayer and Mrs. Ruth Cummings Sanborn. His growing up years as the second of five children were the source of joyful memories, and he cherished his family history. He attended Nyack High School in Nyack, NY; Franklin College in Franklin, Indiana; and Andover Newton Theological School in Newton, MA.
Called to the ministry while a camper and on staff at Pathfinder Lodge in Cooperstown, NY, Peter was devoted to his faith, and he was tireless in caring for the dying and the bereaved. His formal ministry took place at churches in Dedham, MA; Bainbridge, NY; Cranston, RI; Franklin, NY; Burlington, NY; and Vineyard Haven and Aquinnah, MA. He also shared his ministerial gifts in his final years in Florida.
Peter met his beloved wife, Phyllis Cash, while working on staff at Pathfinder Lodge, and they married in 1969 in Syracuse, NY. Prior to Phyllis' death in 1993, they welcomed and together raised two daughters, Heather Lynne and Jennifer Lyn. Peter was overjoyed in recent years to be "Grampa Peter" to Kyra, Lucas, and Keith. His pride in his daughters and grandchildren was evident to all who knew him.
Peter is survived by his daughter, Heather Sanborn, and her son, Keith (Natick, MA); his daughter, Jennifer Sanborn, son-in-law, Matthew Burch, and their children, Kyra and Lucas (Tariffville, CT); his siblings, Stephen Sanborn, Philip Sanborn, and Ann Bach and their families; family member, Bette Doonan; and the special friends who brightened his days and lessened his suffering in recent years of chronic illness and pain. His family is grateful to those who were present to and for him, and who loved him as he was.
A service of remembrance will be held at Trinity Towers West in Melbourne, FL on Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m., with a later service to be held for his family and close friends on Martha's Vineyard.
Gifts in Peter's memory can be made to Pathfinder Lodge, c/o American Baptist Churches, NYS, 5865 E. Seneca Turnpike, Jamesville, NY 13078, where a fund has been established in his name to share the beauty and sanctity of this place with future generations.
Celebrate Peter, minister and friend, by sending flowers to those who are lonely, by writing letters to those you miss, or by giving a listening ear to a friend in need. In these ways, his generous spirit will live on.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Sanborn
Jim Turtle
January 24, 2023
Dear Sanborn Family-
My father Quentin "Chuck" Turtle passed away in August of 2022, and as we are now cleaning out his belongings, I happened across many letters from Peter to my parents during and after he served the people of Oak Lawn Baptist. I myself have many fond memories of Peter as pastor, but especially those Saturday afternoon coffee visits to my house. He will always have a place in my heart and that of my brother and sisters as well.
James Leiner
June 10, 2020
Difficult to imagine Peter is gone so long ago. Memories of our childhood together come back....Paper drives and sitting on the back porch for hours swapping ideas and thoughts....and figuring out how we could tease his younger siblings. Like typical kids
Pamela Campbell
June 22, 2011
June 22, 2011
Dear Jennifer, Heather and family,
I'm sending my deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you on Peter's passing. I first met Reverend Sanborn when my exhusband and I met with him with to make wedding arrangements. It was then Peter and I discovered that we were born on the same day. He was so nice and made me feel really comfortable. Having our birthday's in common was a coincidence but I think it also began a special friendship between us. I believe I still have the ceremony (sermon?) he wrote for us which was beautiful. Peter also dedicated my son Christopher and would pay a visit occasionally to see how we were doing. He was such a caring person. After Phyllis passed away we lost contact for many years. One day when Chris and his wife Sarah were visiting Chris happened to ask me if I still talked with Peter and I told him I didn't know his whereabouts. So oddly, a few days later I got a phone call and when the caller ID said Peter Sanborn I just couldn't believe it! He asked if I remembered him--how could I have forgotten the man who made such a good first impression. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, gave good advice and always made me feel better when I was down. He always seemed to put the other person's problems, fears and worries before his own even though he was suffering every day. Speaking with him was like speaking with my father, brother and best friend all at the same time. He loved all of you very much and I know you will miss him as will I. I miss his voice, his not so funny jokes, the weather reports (actually he would even call me and let me know we were going to have a storm in RI!) , the flowers, the advice, the confidence he always tried to instill in me. Peter was a very special man and I know I never will forget him. He told me the story of "the empty chair". I now see two empty chairs; and, as I sit in my kitchen looking into my dining room I see an empty vase.
Diane Platinsky
June 20, 2011
I was very sad to hear of your passing. Your family has our deepest sympathoy.....My thoughts and blessing are with your family... We were classmates in Nyack, High School...Diane Platinsky
Gail Lichtneker Francis
June 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers to the Sanborn Family on your lossof Peter. We had a Martha's Vineyard connection-both loved the Island-yet never actually met each other there.
He will be in the memory of the Nyack Class of 1961.
June 20, 2011
To Peter's family..........my deepest sympathy. Peter and I were classmates at Nyack High School and I am so sad at his passing.He and I had been e-mailing in the last couple of years and I thought very highly of him. He will be missed a lot.
Sincerely, Heidi Taupmann Lounsbury from Roosevelt, Utah
Reba Worman
June 19, 2011
I am sadden to hear of Peter's passing. He married my husband and I in Bainbridge, NY. My deepest sympathy to Heather and Jennifer and their families and all of Peter's friends as he will be missed by us all.
June 18, 2011
June 18,2011
To Jennifer & Heather, Stephen, Philip, Anne & Bette,
Nick DelPizzo, our classmate in charge of our 50th reunion sent me the email of Peter's passing. Our sympathy to you all but we all know Peter is now Home with the Lord and rejoicing. May we all join him in the future. I didn't know he had been ill. He was kind to keep us informed of his parents' passings. I've many fond memories of Peter in BYF, paper drives, Pathfinder Lodge, SS class and so many more. Your family was very special to our family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May many fond memories and knowing God's love bring you comfort. In sympathy, Jim & Penny Sparks Tate, Bonner Springs, Ks
Jim Leiner
June 18, 2011
I am saddened to learn of Peter's passing into the house of our Lord. Peter and I grew up in the Nyack Baptist church...Getting into all kinds of little troubles boys enjoy. Don't think I have seen or spoken to him since his days with Phyllis in the Bainbridge Church. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a wonderful guy, so many fun memories.
Janet Giles Johnson
June 17, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I was hoping to see Peter among my classmates at our 50th class reunion, but he is attending the best reunion of all reunions. Janet Giles Johnson, class of '61
Sandy Knapp
June 17, 2011
To The Sanborn Family & Bette Doonan,
Please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Knapp (Formerly of Congers, NY)
Megan Sanborn
June 17, 2011
Jennifer and Heather, I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers in this time of loss for the family. Wishing you and yours my deepest sympathy, but hope you will take comfort in the knowledge that he is in a place of peace at last. Your cousin Megan Sanborn.
Kim Nicksa
June 16, 2011
Heather and Jennifer,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Remember your dad's love for family as you spend time together.
Thinking of you both.
With sympathy,
Kim Nicksa
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Peter Sanborn's name
Memorial Events
for Peter Sanborn
How to support Peter's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Peter Sanborn's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
