Ralph E. Saunders

Ralph E. Saunders WAREHAM Ralph E. Saunders, 79, of Wareham, formerly of Bridgewater, passed away Oct. 27, at Tobey Hospital, after a brief illness. He was the husband of Mary L. (Rose) Saunders of Wareham. Born in Nashua, N.H., he was a son of the late Theo-dore and Ella Mae (Rowling) Saunders. Just prior to entering the U.S. Army and serving during the Korean War, Ralph lived in Onset and later settled in Wareham and later in Bridgewater. He worked as a laborer in the construction industry and at the Bridgewater Shoe Factory. Ralph later found employment with the town of Bridgewater working as the maintenance engineer at the Bridgewater Public Library for 25 years. He and his wife Mary of 55 years retired to Wareham. Ralph enjoyed gardening, fishing, shell fishing in the local waters, reading historical literature and spending time with his family. Of his many past times, Ralph enjoyed sailing on the New Bedford Ship, the Ernestina, and fishing on the Lady K of Onset. Many Wareham residents recognized him as the man in the orange hat. He was the loving father of Jolaine Mooney and her husband Gary of Wareham, LuAnn Saunders-Kanabay and her husband Gary of Mansfield, Conn., Steven Saunders of Wareham, Rachel Saunders Young and her husband Darren of Bridgewater; loving grandfather of Shawn and Ethan Mooney, Sarah and Devin Kanabay; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was the brother of the late Theodore Jr., Mae, Richard, Connie, Henry and Gordon Saunders. Funeral service Friday, Oct. 31, at 11 Oclock, in the Wareham Village Funeral Home, 5 Center St., Wareham. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4-8 p.m. Interment Centre Cemetery, Wareham. Memorial gifts may be made to the Commonwealth of Massachsuetts Schooner Ern- istina, 10 State Pier, New Bedford, MA 02740. For online guest book, www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.