Robert H. "Bob" Sanders

BEVERLY - Robert H. Sanders "Bob" 100, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 28th, 2025 at The Herrick House in Beverly. Born on May 7th, 1925 in Medford to the late Rudolph and Amy Grace Santini (Hill), Bob was a lifelong resident of Massachusetts and lived in Topsfield for most of his life prior to moving into The Herrick House in 2019.

He lived a long life marked by integrity and kindness and he did it on his own terms having wonderful quality of life until he decided enough was enough. He was a quiet hero, guiding light, and the heart of his family. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy having enlisted at 17 years old and serving in WWII in the South Pacific onboard the Destroyer U.S.S. Maddox from 1944 to 1946. Bob was proud to don his Navy hat which displayed his status as a WWII Navy veteran. After the war Bob graduated from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology in Boston subsequently working as a draftsman for C.A. Maguire Company and Universal Engineering until his retirement in 1988. Beyond his career Bob was an active and engaged member of Freemasons for over 63 years. Additional time was spent supporting Wini at The Saltbox Gallery, golfing, following the Red Sox and traveling.

He was truly a family man – he loved spending time with his family, especially the infants. Bob was fortunate enough to celebrate his 100th Birthday in May with 37 family members attending from all over the U.S. Bob had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether it was through his warm welcoming smile, his unforgettable stories, or the way he could always find the time to listen. He taught by example all who had the pleasure of knowing him with his core values permeating everyday life. His wisdom wasn't loud – it was steady and constant. He will be missed by all those who knew him yet his family is grateful for every moment shared. A part of Bob lives on in his every descendant while his spirit lives on in every life he touched.

Bob was a loving father, cherished grandfather, proud great-grandfather, and devoted husband to the late Winifred "Wini" Sanders (Russian) for 71 happy years. He is survived by his son, Douglas Sanders (Laurie) of South Hamilton, and daughters, Gwen DelNegro (Frank) of Granby, Connecticut, and Ellen Hansen of Bloomfield, Connecticut. In addition, Bob also leaves behind his younger sister Joan Smith (Sanders) as well as his grandchildren, Michael DelNegro (Meghan), Abby Bergmann (Jeffrey), Alex Hansen (Kristen), Amy Stavola (John), Harrison Sanders (Jessica), Molly Sanders (Luke), and Christian Sanders. Bob is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Alexander "Xander" Hansen, Chelsea and James Bergmann, Isla and Gus Sanders-Dobrowski, Lucy DelNegro, Jonathan and Gabriella Stavola, and Riley Sanders, as well as his many nieces and nephews. Bob is predeceased by his dearly beloved wife, Winifred "Wini" Sanders (Russian), as well as his brothers Steve, Dick, Edward, and William Sanders, sister Doris Urban (Sanders), son-in-law Paul Hansen, granddaughter Mary-Beth Hansen and great granddaughter Laney DelNegro. Though he is no longer with us, Bob's spirit will be carried with us with deep appreciation for the man that he was.

ARRANGEMENTS: A private graveside service for the family will be held on September 25, 2025 at Pine Grove Cemetery, 8 Haverhill Road, Topsfield, MA 01983. A celebration of life will be held at 1 PM the same day at The Gould Barn, 1 Howlett St, Topsfield. All who knew him are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's name to Honor Flight New England, 193 Londonderry Turnpike, Unit 4, Hooksett, NH 03106. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.