William Barrett Sanders, Jr. "Bill", 69, of New Bedford died Thursday, July 28, 2016 at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the husband of the late Eileen (Mazzei) Sanders.
Born in Acushnet, the son of the late William B. and Dorothea (Lambert) Sanders, he lived in Fairhaven for most of his life before moving to New Bedford.
Mr. Sanders was formerly employed as an automobile electrician and was the owner of Eagle Generator in Fairhaven, and then later New Bedford.
He served in the United States Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.
Bill was engaged and passionate about a variety of political causes close to his heart. He was an active proponent for these causes, spreading information and discussing various topics with others. He enjoyed very much being a passenger in small aircraft every Sunday, flying out of the local airports, as well as attending computer shows, car shows and air shows. He loved music and going to a variety of concerts. More than anything, though, he enjoyed and was very sentimental about the time he spent with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren
Survivors include three children, Michelle Sanders and her companion Rafael Cardona, William Barrett Sanders, III "Barry" and his companion Amber Place, and Dorrie Sanders-Duarte and her husband Robert Duarte; two brothers, Thomas Sanders, and Robert Sanders and his wife Sandra; two sisters, Carolyn Manchester and her husband Craig, and Roberta Hayward and her companion Kent Gustafson; his sister-in-law, Susan Sanders; four grandchildren, Olivia Cardona, Maya Duarte, Lincoln Sanders, and Elijah Place; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was the brother of the late James Sanders and son-in-law of the late Eileen (Mazzei) Heine, to whom he was very close.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2016 from 6-11 PM at VFW Post 2892, 109 Middle St., Fairhaven, MA 02719.