OLD LYME — Walter E. Sanders was born in New London, CT in September 1940. He passed away in Middletown, CT on January 21, 2020 at age 79 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. He died peacefully, surrounded by family.
After graduating from New London High School in 1958, Walter joined the Army National Reserves and served until he was honorably discharged in 1965. He married Jacquelyn Gould on August 21, 1965. They moved to Old Lyme is 1977, where they spent most of their lives together.
Walter’s first job was working in a lab at Pfizer, an experience that created a lasting impression on him. Walter held a real estate broker license from 1969 to the present, encompassing a fifty-year career. During his active years, he built more than 50 houses, a hotel, and several shopping centers. Walter was very proud of his three children, each of whom he encouraged to get a “marketable skill.” He was fascinated with nutrition and vitamins, and ran Flanders Health Foods for many years. He loved to give his favorite snack, butter, to his many grand-dogs.
Walter is survived by his wife Jackie, his son Eric Sanders of Black Rock, his son Mike Sanders and his wife Janice of Old Lyme, and his daughter Sharon Koch and her husband Eric of Essex. He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Phyllis Snosky, and brothers Charles and William Sanders. He is also survived by a sister, Phyllis Martin of Mystic, and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations in Walter’s name would be gratefully appreciated to the CT Humane Society, the Visiting Nurses of Southeastern Connecticut, or the Hospice unit of Middlesex Hospital. The family would like to thank the many wonderful aides, nurses, therapists, and doctors who helped with his care. A celebration of life will be held in Walter’s honor.