JOHN SANDER

SANDER John R. Sander (Age 77) Of Alexandria, VA, died peacefully at home on March 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Buffalo, NY, and raised in Cincinnati, OH, John was a kind and energetic man of many talents. As a student at the University of Cincinnati, he began lessons in flamenco guitar, initiating a lifelong interest in the arts and travel. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduation and was stationed in Germany from 1967 to 1971. While in the service, he learned Morse code-and became a denizen of the beer gardens and ski slopes of Europe. In 1972, he earned an MBA from Xavier University on the GI Bill and married his beloved wife. The couple moved to Silver Spring-where they lived until 2005-in 1974 so John could continue his career as a financial manager with the federal government. His professional home for many years was the State Department, where he particularly enjoyed helping embassies and consulates abroad with their financial systems. He retired from the government in 2001. During his working years, John routinely got to his desk by 7 a.m. so he could attend his daughter's afternoon sports games and his own evening college classes: He earned a second bachelor's degree, in studio art, in 1996. He was a Renaissance man who built furniture, carved award-winning duck decoys, welded metal sculptures of giraffes and tortoises, and painted vivid portrayals of his world travels. He loved animals, especially cats; early golf games with friends; playing his flamenco guitar; and taking impeccable care of the red convertible he drove too fast on area roads. He was always quick to help friends and strangers; in his later years he was a loyal volunteer for the National Zoo and the Alexandria Seaport Foundation. The job title John loved most was "Dad." A devoted father and grandfather who delighted in every stage of parenthood, John was cheerfully present for all moments large and small. Toward the end of his life, when reminded of this, he smiled and said, "That's what I'm here for." He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Kathleen Waters Sander, of Alexandria; his daughter, Libby Sander, son-in-law, Brock Read, and grandson, all of Washington; and his twin brother, James Sander, of Zanesville, OH. A service to celebrate his life will be held April 23 at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, Visitation at 10 a.m.; Service at 11 a.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held April 23 at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 W. Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA, Visitation at 10 a.m.; Service at 11 a.m.