CANASTOTA . . .

Richard A. "Dick" Sanderson, Sr., 89, of 8 Kimberlee Drive, Canastota, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born on August 16, 1936, in Worthington, MA, the son of the late William and Marion (Fox) Sanderson.

Richard spent his early years in Worthington , graduating from Huntington High School in 1954. He later graduated from American International College in Springfield, MA, in 1962. Richard moved to Canastota in 1965, and has lived here most of his life.

He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War.

Richard was a business teacher at Canastota High School for more than fifty years, retiring in 1997, and immediately began working as a substitute teacher at Canastota, where he was a beloved teacher, influencing his students and fellow teachers. The high school yearbook was dedicated to him numerous times for his involvement and impact in the school.

Richard was a member of NYSUT, The 300 Club, National Wildlife Federation, and Trout Unlimited. He was the treasurer of the Canastota Teachers' Association for many years, and the Credit Union Representative.

Richard enjoyed harness racing, fishing, reading, going to Turning Stone, spending time with his family, and especially going on family road trips. He was an avid Boston Red Sox fan.

He married Jacqueline L. Carll on November 26, 1976, in Wampsville, celebrating their fiftieth year of marriage.

Surviving besides his wife, Jackie, are: two sons, Richard A., Jr. and Katie (Gleason) Sanderson of Canastota, and Justin L. and Katie (Dougherty) Sanderson of Oneida; two daughters, Karen and Timothy Kilts of Canastota, and Julianna Sanderson and Taylor Moore of Knoxville, TN; nine grandchildren, Michael, Elizabeth, and Gregory Ulrick; Ethan and Ryan Sanderson; Daniel Poe, Kailin, and Alexandria Sanderson; and Leif Moore; one sister-in-law, Jennie Sanderson of Orange, MA; Jackie's family including sisters, Jean Schiffer, Julie Carll, Mary Beth and David Coleman, Janice Carll, and Caroline and Perry Whiting; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Richard was predeceased by one brother, William "Bill" Sanderson; and two sisters, Shirley and Cullen Packard, and Dorothy Nelson.

Calling hours will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. Burial will be in Ringville Cemetery, Worthington, MA, at a later date.

In his memory, contributions may be made to the Canastota Public Library, 102 W. Center Street, Canastota, NY 13032, or Canastota Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 448, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.