Sherman L. Saunders

Sherman L. Saunders, 88, of Waterbury and formerly of Prospect, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of his family on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at the VA Hospital of West Haven.  Sherman was the devoted life partner of Theresa Duren for over 48 years.  He owned and operated S & S Fence Company for many years.  Born July 23, 1934 in Waterbury, Sherman was a son of the late Henry J. and Eva (Hutchinson) Saunders.

Sherman proudly served our country in the Navy during the Korean War, stationed aboard the USS Sierra and the USS Cascade. After his honorable discharge he joined and became a lifelong member of the VFW Post 201.

If you knew Sherman, you knew he was proud of his racing career especially the day he won the 100 lap championship race and gave the winning purse to his mother.  He started stock car racing at the West Haven Speedway and was a West Haven and Plainville Stadium regular during most of his driving career making occasional visits to other NE race tracks, including the Big E and Riverside Park Speedway. The photo of him in his car with the checkered flag waving is his favorite photo. Sherman and Terry put many miles on their full dress Harley Davidson motorcycle.

He truly was an outdoorsman and an avid deer hunter and fisherman.  He and Terry enjoyed many years in their Vermont cottage absorbing the beautiful wooded scenery, feeding the hummingbirds and growing vegetables from seed.  Sherman had a magnetic multifaceted personality, a quick wit, and a generosity of spirit. He was the one to call if you needed something fixed.  Being a jack of all trades, Sherman helped out many friends and neighbors over the course of his lifetime.  He was a dedicated family man and devoted friend.  He will be truly missed.

Left to cherish Sherman’s love and honor his memory are his life partner Terry, his son Sherman M. Saunders of Fl. and his daughter Patricia (Donald) Behne of Fl. as well as his step children Frank Duren of Terryville and Beth Bochicchio of Bristol. Sherman adored his six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He also leaves his brothers: David of Ga., Dennis of Waterbury, and Richard of Ga. and sisters Suzette Pelkey of Northfield and Linda Russo of Ma. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  He was predeceased by his brothers Teddy, Sterling and Randall.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 5pm to 6pm at Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect.  A Celebration of Life service will begin at 6pm at the funeral home followed by military honors. Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Sherman’s family.  Please visit www.prospectmemorial.com to share a photo or memory of Sherman and to express your love and support for his family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville FL 32256 are appreciated.

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