Stephen C. Saunders

Stephen C Saunders

May 25, 1930 – June 10, 2024

In loving memory of Stephen Clarke Saunders, known as Steve, who passed away on June 10, 2024 in Whittier California. Steve had just celebrated his 94th birthday at home with his family of his wife Barbara, son Stephen Clarke Saunders and daughter-in-law Mary, daughter Deborah Chitty and son-in-law David Chitty. Steve’s kindness, vibrant personality and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew him.

Steve was born in Wakefield, Massachusetts, the seventh of nine children to Paul A. Saunders and Marjorie Naomi Forbes Saunders. His last remaining sibling, Carl “Joe” Saunders, lives in the Boston area.

Growing up, Steve used his musical talents as a singer in the Trinity Episcopal Boys’ Choir and the Brenton Woods Boy’s Choir, which performed in the New England area for a wide variety of audiences. He continued to perform as a singer as an adult in church and also in fundraising shows for the Lion’s Club, a charity well-known to benefit the blind, which was very close to his heart. Steve also was a talented athlete and particularly enjoyed golf, both playing and watching.

Steve attended Alfred University in New York where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in ceramic engineering. While in college, he met Barbara Ann Potter and they were married on August 23, 1958. They fulfilled their lifelong wedding vows for almost 66 years until they were parted on June 10.

Steve proudly served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict as an air traffic controller in Texas. Steve used his ceramic engineering degree professionally and worked for many years in sales. He owned his own business featuring promotional products, called STAR promotions (a combination of the names of Steve and Barbara).

Steve and Barbara were long-time members of East Whittier Presbyterian Church and Steve spent countless hours volunteering his time doing repairs and maintenance around the church campus as a service to his church family. 

Steve brought joy to all who knew him and will be dearly missed.