Thomas Richardson Saunders

Thomas Richardson Saunders (Tom) died peacefully at his home in Ocala, Florida, he was 92 years old. Born in Warrenton, North Carolina on December 13, 1925, he was raised in Framingham, Massachusetts by his parents William and Georgia (Alston) Saunders. Tom attended Memorial Jr. High in Framingham and graduated from Framingham High School with the class of 1943. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy and studied at the US Naval Steam and Diesel Engineering School in Hampton, Virginia. He served his country proudly in World War II.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1944, Tom was employed by the Framingham State Teachers College and while there obtained his 2nd Class Fireman’s License. He later worked at the Roxbury Carpet Company as a 2nd Class Fireman. In order to further his education Tom took a year from work to study Steam and Diesel Engineering at Wentworth Institute in Boston, MA and on completion of the course obtained a position as Fireman with the United States Government at the Barber’s Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. He also worked on the U.S.N.S. General RM Blatchford in 1951.

Tom attended Peterson’s School of Steam Engineering in Boston, MA and became a 3rd Class Power Plant Engineer in 1949. Following in his father's footsteps, he was employed as an Engineer for the Framingham Gas Company and was hand-picked to be the first African-American Engineer for the Cape Cod Canal Electric Power Plant. Always active in the community; Tom served as a member of the Mashpee Finance Committee as well as the Cape Cod Planning and Economic Development Commission while living in the Town of Mashpee, MA.

Tom retired as Chief Engineer of the Polaroid Power Plant in New Bedford, MA in 1989. After retiring, he moved to Ocala, FL where he lived for over 25 years. While residing in Ocala, Tom had a 2nd career, working for Securitas as a part-time Guard for 20 years.

An avid reader, bird watcher and star gazer, with a love nature and working in his yard, Tom was always ready and willing to help others in the community.

His dedication to racial equality led him to become the Founder and first President of the South Middlesex, MA branch of the N.A.A.C.P. He was also active for decades with the Prince Hall Masonic Temple in Cambridge, MA and a long time, dedicated member of the American Legion, Post 354, Ocala, FL.

Thomas was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Latimer) Saunders, his sisters, Emma S. Eady, Georgia S. Mickens, brother, John A. Saunders, Sr., and his step-son, Reggan Ellis.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Deborah A. Saunders of Lindenwold, NJ and Saundra R. Edwards (Joseph) of Lawrence, MA, three grandchildren, Felicia R. Saunders of Voorhees, NJ, Joseph Blake Edwards and Cole A. Edwards. He also leaves his loving step-children, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held in Thomas' hometown of Framingham, MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Thomas' name to a local veterans’ support organization of your choosing.