MECHANICVILLE - David O. Saunders, 68, longtime resident of Farm to Market Road, died at his Argyle, NY home Wednesday evening , July 20th, in the loving company of his family. Dave had courageously battled ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) for the last 11 years. Born in Glens Falls, Nov. 22, 1947 son of the late Cyril and Irene Moore Saunders, he was a 1965 graduate of Greenwich Central School. Dave, who was affectionately know as "Big Red" by his friends, was a US Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, and was then a 35 year member of IBEW Electrical Union Local 166 and later Local 236, working many of those years at Electric Boat’s West Milton facility.
Dave had been President of both Locals for 19 years, and was respected by his members for his solid representation.
A member of American Legion Post 1518 of Argyle, and a former member of the Mechanicville Lions Club, and the Hillcrest Fire Department, Dave was an active parent and booster of his boy’s athletic and academic successes. He was also an avid NY Yankees and Giants fan.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Diane Leggett Saunders, four loyal sons: Brian and Stephanie of Argyle, Kevin and wife Gloria of Greenwich, Scott and wife Nicole of Mechanicville and Gregg and wife Jennifer of Argyle, 12 grandchildren and a great grandson. Also brother Gary and sisters Verna Stone and Marilyn Stewart, along with his large Leggett in-law family. In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by a brother Tom and sister Joan Marchese.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 10:30 AM at the Mechanicville United Methodist Church , No. Main St. , Mechanicville. Burial with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery is scheduled for 12:00 PM. All are welcome to attend a 1:00 PM reception at the Greenwich Elks Club on Route 40.
Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St . , Mechanicville on Sunday from 2-6 PM.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances are asked to be made to St. Peter’s ALS Center , 19 Warehouse Row, Albany , 12205.
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