Francis Saunders

Mr. Francis Frank Saunders a resident of New Horizons in Marlborough and formerly of Medford died at the Kindred Transitional Care Center in Marlborough on Saturday afternoon, September 1, 2012. He was 97 years old. Frank was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Carrita) and loving partner of Evelyn Purdy of Marlborough also formerly of Medford. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Frank was the son of the late Thomas E. and Mary (Violet) Saunders. Frank was a WWII veteran and POW of the German Army. He was drafted in the Army on March 29, 1944 and received his honorable discharge from Ft. Devens on November 30, 1945. While a POW Mr. Saunders was made chaplain by his fellow inmates and taught each of them the words to Amazing Grace, a hymn that helped each of them get through that difficult time. Mr. Saunders was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Victory Medal for his outstanding service. Frank was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Medford and more recently worshiped at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Marlborough. Frank loved to sing and was a very giving person. He always gave Big Nickels to the children at church and Frank Dollars to his grandchildren, step grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Besides his loving partner, Evelyn, Frank is survived by his sons; Timothy F. and his wife Lorraine Saunders of Billerica and Jonathan F. Buddy and his wife Kathleen Saunders of New York, stepchildren; Roger G. and his wife Paulette Purdy of Syracuse, New York, Irene E. and her husband Stephen Ekstrom of Middleboro and Karen M. and her husband Eric Reilly of Marlborough. Frank is also survived by his grandchildren; Laureen Campagnone of Hudson, New Hampshire and Timothy Saunders of Billerica, great-granddaughter; Stephanie Campagnone of Hudson, New Hampshire, step grandchildren; Alyssa and Rebecca Purdy of Syracuse, New York, Allison and Jamie Ekstrom of Middleboro, and Connor Reilly of Marlborough; several more grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many family and friends. His Memorial Service will be celebrated in the First Baptist Church, 37 Oakland Street, Medford, on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Donations in Franks memory may be made to the above named church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home of Medford. For additional information, please visit www. magliozzifuneralhome.com