Online Obituaries

Richard Charles Sanders, 88, of Springfield, was called home to his final rest with the Lord on October 19th, 2024. He spent his final days surrounded by his wife and loved ones.

Richard was born in Northampton on November 16th, 1935 to Harold and Mildred (West) Sanders. He grew up in Hadley, MA and graduated from Hopkins Academy. After high school, Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Richard met his loving partner of 33 years, Romelle Crockwell, at Mt. Holyoke College where they both worked. They were married on June 19, 2004 and celebrated their 20th Wedding Anniversary earlier this year. They shared a deep Christian faith and love of God. Richard’s ministry was the Lord’s Pantry, a small food bank in Chicopee that grew under his management. For years he worked tirelessly to feed the hungry of the community and his good nature and positivity was welcomed and appreciated by those he served.

To cherish his memory, Richard is survived by his loving wife, Romelle. He leaves his sons, Richard Allen Sanders and his wife, Brenda of Texas, Joseph Douglas Sanders and his wife, Laura of Templeton, MA; stepsons, Joseph Whalen and his wife, Wendy of Heath, MA, Tony and his wife, Carrie of South Carolina, Michael and his wife, Lisa of Arkansas, and stepdaughter, Madeline Smola and her husband, Todd of Warren, MA. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Sanders of Easthampton, MA and sister, Norma Burnett of Florence, MA. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Robert Sanders and sister, Doris Martin. He is celebrated by many grandchildren, Christopher, Kevin, Timothy, Brooke, Matthew, Michael, Kate, Shandie, Carly, Sydney, Cooper, Callahan, Joline, Ayden, Romelle, Caitlyn, Josselyn, Brandon, John Jay and Andrew and great-grandchildren, Beckett, Lilah, Odin, Theo, Ryker, and Ellie Ruth. He will be remembered by many extended family members and friends.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 24th from 10:30am to 11:30am at the Cierpial Memorial Funeral Home on 69 East Street, Chicopee MA. A funeral service will follow immediately after at First Central Bible Church, 50 Broadway Street, Chicopee MA. A private burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans’ Home at Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke MA 01040.