William Saunders

William C. Saunders, 72, of Glenside, formerly of Clarks Summit, died Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at home. He and his wife, the former Donna E. Warne, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on Aug. 26.

Born April 23, 1940, in Philadelphia, son of the late Charles George and Eleanor May Kennedy Saunders, Bill was a 1958 graduate of Abington Heights and continued his education at Penn State University's Worthington Scranton campus.

His career was dedicated to the engineering profession, having worked most recently as a fire-protection and life-safety engineer for Ballinger, Philadelphia.

He was a dedicated member of the Clarks Summit Fire Company, where he served in various positions, including many years as chief. He was an active member of Abington Area Fire Line Officers and was instrumental in the development of the fire training grounds in Newton Twp. He belonged to several fire protection associations. Bill supported the development of many communities in Northeast Pennsylvania, serving on several planning commissions and zoning boards.

He was a founding member of the Summit Wrestling Club. Bill was also a member of Ducks Unlimited; the Wetlands Institute, Stone Harbor, N.J.; the Philadelphia Orchestra Association; the Countryside Conservancy, La Plume; and the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, New Jersey.

Also surviving are two daughters, Rebecca Lance and husband, Alan, Scranton; and Jennifer, Jessup; a son, attorney William C. Saunders Jr., Chadds Ford; a brother, Robert Saunders and wife, Debbie, Clarks Summit; eight grandchildren, Sarah Aleksandrowicz and husband, Mike; Courtney Lance, Kegan Lance, Lindsey Saunders, Chelfon Saunders, Nate Williams, Bradley Saunders and Wesley Saunders; great-granddaughter, Micayla Aleksandrowicz; aunts, nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Epiphany, Church Hill Road, Glenburn, with services by the Rev. Canon William T. Warne II, retired, and the Rev. Craig C. Sweeney, rector. Interment will be held at the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Garden. Memorial contributions may be made to Clarks Summit Fire Company, P.O. Box M, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.