Thomas V. Saunders III

Thomas V. Saunders, III, 84 of New Sewickley Township, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014, while under the compassionate care of the staff of Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Harmony, PA.

Tom was born July 18, 1929 in Bellaire, OH, son of the late Thomas V. II and Edith (Mahaffee) Saunders. He was a graduate of Shadyside High School, Class of 1947. While attending college, he played football for the West Liberty Hilltops and was named an All-American punt returner in his senior season.

Tom married his high school sweetheart Jean Pospisil on July 3, 1948. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from West Liberty University in 1951 and a Master of Education Degree from Slippery Rock University in 1973.

Tom began his teaching and coaching career at Caldwell High School in Caldwell, OH, winning the Muskingum Valley League Championship in 1952. He also taught and coached in Loveland, OH for five years. After moving to Willard, OH, he coached for five seasons and led his team to the Northern Ohio League Championship in 1963. Eventually, Tom and Jean settled their growing family in New Sewickley. Tom continued to teach mathematics and coach football at Freedom Area High School from 1964-1968. He continued teaching at Freedom until his retirement in 1991. Tom also coached basketball, baseball and track at the above mentioned schools. He was fortunate to teach and coach in Ohio and Pennsylvania for a total of 40 years.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed many sports and activities, which included fishing and golfing. His favorite activity was following all of the grandchildren to any sporting event in which they participated. During his retirement years, he and Jean were blessed to spend the winter months in Myrtle Beach, SC at their son Tom’s beach front condo.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years: Jean Saunders; two brothers: Bill and Jack Saunders.

Tom is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law: Thomas V. (Betty) Saunders IV, Greensboro, NC; Steve (Maggie) Saunders, Potter Township; Keith “Skeeter” (Eva) Saunders, Westerville, OH; his daughter and son-in-law: Elaine (Allen) White, Little Hocking, OH; eleven grandchildren: Thomas “Tommy” (Jordan) Saunders, V; Beyke (Jeremy) Kelly; Zac (Lauren) Saunders: Josh Saunders; Jodi Saunders; Mitchell, Madison and Kyle Saunders; Nick, Kasey and Trent White; his great grandson: Cameron Kelly; sister-in-law: Dorothy Baker Saunders; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the SAUL-GABAUER FUNERAL HOME, INC., 273 Route 68, Rochester (GPS 848 Sunflower Road, adjacent to Sylvania Hills Memorial Park Mausoleum). His funeral service will be held at 7 p.m., immediately following the visitation, with The Reverend Douglas B. Myers, Jr., officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Freedom Area Athletic Boosters in memory of Coach Thomas V. “Tommy” Saunders, III or to the Big Knob Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences may be offered at www.saul-gabauer.com.

“Our family will always appreciate and remember his tremendous work ethic and fun loving personality.”