Carl E. Sanderson

Carl E. Sanderson

1931 - 2022

Carl E. "Sandy" Sanderson, a veteran of the Korean War and longtime Rhode Island resident, passed away on January 7, 2022 surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Carl was born on April 5, 1931, to Charles and Rosamond (Thompson) Sanderson. He graduated from Somerset High School in 1949, attended the University of North Georgia, a public senior military college, before enlisting in the U.S. Army. As a private first class, Carl served two years in the Korean War. After serving his country, Carl worked at Montaup Electric as one of the company's stationary engineers, before changing to be a successful insurance agent, a profession he would stay in for the next twenty-eight years, before retiring in 1990.

Carl married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Harrison, on August 3, 1954, at Christ Church in Swansea Massachusetts. Carl and Joyce moved to Tiverton, Rhode Island in 1970, where they raised their four children. Their house on Farnsworth Avenue, was the primary meeting place for all celebrations, holidays, and of course the annual 4th of July clam bake. This is where "Dad" became "Pa" (for grandpa) a name he cherished. Carl and Joyce decided they had seen enough New England winters and headed to Leesburg, Florida, a place he would call home for nearly 20 years: enjoying the sunshine, making new friends, and singing karaoke. After spending fifty-three years by each other side Joyce passed in 2007. Sandy then met Virginia "Ginny" Cleaves. The two enjoyed a loving partnership for 12 years.

Carl was a very active member of his community. He volunteered his time to various local activities such as Chairman of the Tiverton School Committee, Tax Assessor, Budget Committee, Tiverton Lion Club, and Statewide Chairman of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Committee. He was a strong proponent of community service, believing that people can work together to change and improve the lives of others -- while improving themselves and serving as role models.

Carl was a tremendous athlete. He was twice inducted into the Somerset High School Athletic Hall of Fame. The first was in 1993, for being a member of the 1948 State C Championship Basketball Team. The second was in 2011, for helping to lead the 1949 baseball team to the state finals at Fenway Park. Despite turning down the opportunity to play major league baseball in favor of family life, baseball would play a large part of Carl's life. He coached Tiverton Little League and umpired at the collegiate level for many years. He went on to serve as the President of the Southeastern Massachusetts Umpire Association and the National Association of Sports Officiating. His love for the game was passed down through three generations; to his son Carl, his grandson Kyle, both of whom were catchers and attended their first games at Fenway with him, and most recently to his great grandson Owen. One of his most memorial achievements, was his coaching role with former Red Sox second baseman, and Somerset High School alumni, Jerry Remy, which fostered a long-lasting friendship.

Carl lived a long and meaningful life; however, if you were to ask him what he was most proud of, he would without hesitation, say the time he shared with his wife Joyce and his family. Joyce was, and always will be,

the love of his life. He kept his wedding band as a necklace that he wore every day - keeping her close to his heart until the end. Carl and Joyce are finally reunited, and are likely holding hands, dancing, and enjoying a rum swizzle (or two!).

Carl is survived by his children Carl J. Sanderson, Sheri A. Massa, Leah J. (Sanderson) Kilborn, and Amy E. Sanderson; five grandchildren, Kyle A. Pimental, Kayla R. Barrett, Colin R. Massa, Cassie J. Sanderson, and Garret J. Sanderson; and two great grandchildren, Owen and Aurora.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 9 at 10:00am in Holy Trinity Church, 1956 Main Road, Tiverton, RI.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Tiverton Little League c/o Amy Sanderson PO Box 915 Portsmouth, RI 02871.