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Graniteville, Joseph E. Sanders Sr., 78 formerly of Milton passed away peacefully Friday April 8, 2011 in Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington following a brief illness.
Joe was born October 25, 1932 in Pattens Mills, NY the son of the late George and Marion Roberts Sanders. He graduated from Hudson Falls High School in Hudson Falls, NY in 1951. He served his country with the US Air Force.
Following his discharge, he attended and graduated from college. He was co- owner of Champlain Container Company in Chittenden County. He later worked as an accountant for Murray Construction, Wright & Morrissey, Carpenter Sprinkler Company and Sisco Supply. Following his retirement, he worked for the Visiting Nurse Association. He later moved to Barre and worked for the Senior Companion Program of the Central Vermont Council on Aging, a job the he truly loved. In 2005, Joe was awarded The President’s Volunteer Service award from USA Freedom Corps. Governor James Douglas also presented Joe with a Governor’s award in 2005 and 2007 for the outstanding community service that he provided to the elderly.
Joe is survived by his six children; Michael Sanders and his wife, Cindy of East Fairfield, Joseph Sanders Jr. and his wife, Lori of Fairfax, Jeanna Page and her husband, David of Milton, Jason Sanders and his fiancé, Joanne Gordon of Milton, Julie Kuhn and her husband, Fred of St. Albans and Edward Sanders and his wife, Jill of Milton, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by two sisters; Liz Aubrey and Shirley McLaughlin, his brother; Robert Sanders, his sisters in law; including his close sister in law, Carol Sanders, several nieces , nephews and cousins including a special cousin; Sr. Mary Clare of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Cleveland, Ohio.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers; George Sanders Jr. and Jerry Sanders and his brother in law, Jim McLaughlin.
Joe was a very hard worker all of his life. He gave everything he had so that others would never be without. He always put his family and friends first, rarely making time to take care of his own needs. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew him.
Visiting Hours will be held on Tuesday afternoon, April 12, 2011 from 5 to 7:45pm concluded by a funeral service held at 7:45 pm by Fr. John Feltz in the Minor Funeral Home, Route 7 in Milton.
A private burial will be held later in the spring.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Senior Companion Program of the Central Vermont Council on Aging, 30 Washington Street, Suite 1, Barre, VT 05641
Online condolences may be made at www.minorfh.com (http://www.minorfh.com)