Harry Edward Sanderson (Bear) 85 of Canandaigua, NY passed away peacefully November 13, 2021 after a brief battle with Cancer.
Bear was born December 19, 1935 in Utica, NY to Harry James and Eda (Hoffman) Sanderson. Bear served in the US Army as a Private First Class from 1955 to 1957. After his service, he attended The University of Vermont where be played basketball and graduated with honors.
Bear married Carolee Cotton Sanderson and moved to Victor, NY. He enjoyed a good martini, bad golf, and all things to do with Canandaigua Lake. Bear was a larger-than-life character in all our lives. Whether he was family, friend, neighbor, coworker, golf partner, drinking buddy, or little league coach, Bear taught you to value your friends and make each day count. There was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by all of you!
Bear was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by four children Harry Sanderson Jr of Buffalo, Elizabeth (Brian) Denardi of East Haven, CT, Casey (Kerri) Sanderson of Penfield, and Sean (Kelly) Sanderson of Victor. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Trey, Ryan, Jennifer, Gerry, Madison, Hannah, Abigail, Callyn, Ila, and Charley. Bear is also survived by 7 great grandchildren: Sofia, Chloe, Brian, Adriana, Samuel, Mae and Colette as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is predeceased by his wife Carolee Sanderson, parents HJ and Eda Sanderson, his brother James Sanderson, his sister Jean (Sanderson) Hamilton, and his son Gerry Peter Sanderson.
Calling Hours will be this Friday November 19, 2021 from 4 – 7 pm at the Jarmusz Cotton Funeral Home 26 Maple Ave Victor, NY.
Per Bear’s request, a celebration will be held Saturday November 20, 2021 from 2-6pm at Finn’s Taproom in Victor NY.
Graveside services and internment will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bear’s name to the Victor Volunteer Fire Department 34 Maple Ave, Victor, NY 14564.
Thank you to the staff of FF Thompson Hospital and MM Ewing Continuing Care Center.
Thank you to all who prayed for, visited, called, texted, or just thought of Bear and our family during this time.
We were so sorry to hear of Bear’s passing.. And we wish we could be there on Friday and Saturday to mourn his loss and celebrate his life with family and friends. We enjoyed talking to him during the few times he was able to get out of the house and more recently when he asked Dave to come over for whatever help he needed. I really enjoyed our chats. We send our condolences and best wishes from Florida. Dave and Amelia Keller 21 Holiday Harbour.
Love you deeply dad!! Will surly miss you!!
Bear was a superstar for sure. I really enjoyed our times together with the Victor Fire Department. Playing softball, working the carnivals and answering calls were all special times with the Bear. Thoughts and prayers to the family.