Willy A. Sander

Willy A. Sander, 93 of Dongan Hills, passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving family. Born Thursday, July 7, 1927 in New York, NY, he was the son of the late Gustav Sander and Anna (Hess) Sander. Willy was a legend among men. Born and raised in Manhattan Willy joined the US Navy at the age of 16, being transferred to the US Marine Corps in 1944 he then served 4 years during WWII with the US Marines attaining the rank of Corporal. Following his release from service Willy then transferred back to the US Navy to serve and moved up the ranks over a 43 year career of Active and Reserve service to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, Willy achieved many accomplishments from being one of the divers to help raise the Normandie in NY Harbor, He served on the USS Remey during the Bay of Pigs Invasion, and his last active post on the USS Bristol.He was the recipient of the Bronze Star, as well as numerous other medals. Following his final tour of active service Willy became a Captain on the Staten Island Ferry in 1963, a career he held and cherished for more than 31 years retiring in 1994. Willy after being raised in Manhattan, marrying and having a family of his own, moved his 6 children to Ridgewood Queens living there until 1971. Willy then moved and settled in the Dongan Hills Area of Staten Island. raising his family and staying in his home for the last 50 years. Willy had many outside interests, He was a long time member of the Great Kills Yacht Club, the Marine Corp League, and the Fleet Reserve. He frequented all of them and was deeply involved in all activities in all the clubs. In his down time Willy enjoyed the simple things in life, a good Clive Cussler book, watching the News and Jeopardy every night (Do not disturb him during Jeopardy!)and being with family and friends. Trips to his house in Argyle with Colleen were his some of his favorite times, enjoying the peace and serenity that upstate New York affords . Willy was a physical Phenom, he maintained his strength and agility by swimming daily at the YMCA up until the age of 85 and could be found pedaling or band stretching while sitting in his recliner at home. Willy was a wealth of wisdom and would share any information he could with you when asked. He made lifelong friendships and treated everyone with respect, a true gentleman, the world is now a little dimmer without him to brighten it. Loving and devoted father of Roger Sander and Willy Sander, II., Dorothy Sander, Debra Sander, and the late Richard Sander and Robert Sander. Beloved companion of 44 years to Colleen A. Mooney. Dear father in law of Joan, Maria and Lynda. and Ron Zarrelli. and Lorraine Powers. Cherished grandfather of Robert, Angelica, Zachary, Michael, Eric and Alexis, and great grandfather of Ariana and Nicole. A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc.. located at 28 Eltingville Blvd Staten Island, New York 10312. Interment will follow in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island, NY. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Friday, June 4, 2021, at John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, Inc., 28 Eltingville Blvd, Staten Island, New York. In Lieu of Flowers Donations in Memory of Willy may be made to: Marine Corp League 46 Ontario Avenue Staten Island, NY 10301

Willy A. Sander

July 7, 1927 - May 29, 2021