Herman R. Saunders, 89, of Dartmouth, formerly of New Bedford, died Saturday November 15, 2014 at St. Luke’s Hospital. He was the husband of the late Mary Catherine “Kitty” (Bruce) Saunders.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Captain Herman R. and Matilda M. (O’Reilly) Saunders, he lived in New Bedford most of his life before moving to Dartmouth seven years ago.
Mr. Saunders was a commercial fisherman and fishing boat captain for 25 years out of the Port of New Bedford. In 1967 he was appointed safety officer of the New Bedford Fishermen’s Union, a post he held until his retirement in 1985. He was a marker at the New Bedford Fish Auction for many years and was a part-time worker for several fish companies on the waterfront. He also worked as a funeral assistant at Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals for many years.
He was a life member of the McMahon Council, Knights of Columbus and a member of the Retired Fishermen’s Pension Club.
He is survived by two sons, Herman R. Saunders III and his wife Veronica of Cranbury, NJ and Paul J. Saunders and his wife Donna of Dartmouth; four grandchildren, Erin, Mikaela, Julie, and Ryan Saunders; two sisters, Mary M. Welch of Lakeville and Joan M. Liarikos of Rochester; a brother, Daniel J. Saunders of Fall River; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Katherine F. Sullivan, Albert E. Saunders, John W. “Jack” Saunders, Paul F. Saunders, Richard T. Saunders, and Thomas F. Saunders.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated. His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 11 AM at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are omitted. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 121 Mount Pleasant St., New Bedford, MA 02740. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.