Reginald S. Saunders

Reginald S. Saunders
October 2, 1925 - April 13, 2015
Redident of Oakland

Reggie, a longtime resident of Oakland, CA., passed peacefully on Monday, April 13, 2015, in Walnut Creek, CA., at the age of 89 with his family by his side. Beloved husband and soulmate of 61 years of the late Othilia C. Saunders. Loving father of Reginald P. Saunders (Nancy) of Castro Valley and Therese Saunders Fialho (Helio) of Arroyo Grande. Devoted grandfather of Nicholas Patrick Saunders (Catherine), Christina Saunders Fialho (J.P. Rose), Kristen Saunders Erpenbach (Jonathan), and Erik Saunders Fialho. Affectionate great-grandfather of Benjamin Saunders, Owen Saunders, and Caroline Erpenbach. Caring brother of Julia Saunders Gomes. He is survived by a large extended family and many friends in the United States, Portugal, and England. Preceded in death by his wife, Othilia C. Saunders; parents Reginald Frederick Saunders and Julia Nunes Saunders; siblings Edward Saunders and Mary Saunders Henriques.
Reggie was born in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1950, settling in Oakland, CA., where he wed his precious Tillie. He was an active parishioner of St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church for 65 years. He had an illustrious career with Bank of America and retired after 33 years. He was a longtime member of Luso-American Fraternal Federation and Luso-American Education Foundation where he served as president from 1968-1971.
Reggie was a sports enthusiast. In his younger years he enjoyed playing golf. He was a soccer sports fan supporting Portugal's national team and his hometown team, Maritimo, from Funchal, Madeira. Reggie had a quick wit and sharp mind. Later in life, he became an accomplished Sudoku puzzle solver.
He was an avid cook, gardener, and world traveler. He took pride in his Portuguese and British heritage. He traveled often to Madeira Island and England. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for the land of his birth.
Reggie was a pillar of strength and led his family by example. He was strong-willed, yet humble. His tenacious immigrant spirit gave him the courage to face life's challenges, and failure was never an option. Most of all, he was guided by an unwavering faith in God that he ultimately would be reunited with his piquita, Tillie. He touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Tuesday, April 21, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Holy Angels Funeral Center, 1051 Harder Road, Hayward, CA. (510) 537-6600. Funeral Mass on Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence O'Toole Catholic Church, 3725 High Street, Oakland, CA. with burial to follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA