Charles Brabson Sanders II Was Active at Union Chapel

Charles Brabson Sanders II (more affectionately known as Chuck, Ceebs, CB, East Chop Charlie and Gompy) died peacefully on July 3 in the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital following a battle with leukemia. He was 90.

He was born in Montclair, N.J., to Louise G. and James W. Sanders on Dec. 11, 1923. He graduated from the Lawrenceville School and then attended Yale University, until enlisting in the U.S. Marine Air Corps. While in the Corps, he piloted a B25 bomber, co-piloted a C47 transport and attained the rank of major. While home on leave, he and Katherine A. Eavenson were married in Montclair on Dec. 23, 1945. Following his years in the service, he was a salesman for American Baby Foods and then worked for Dillon-Beck Manufacturing Company for several years prior to purchasing it.

Along with being the father of four, a husband, and the president and CEO of his company, Chuck made the time to found the Urban Redevelopment Coalition of Montclair, whose sole purpose was to relocate the underprivileged from a poverty-stricken section of Montclair and to rebuild their homes. He was president of Friends of Sengekontacket, whose mission statement is the preservation of watersheds, primarily those of Sengekontacket Pond and the adjacent barrier beaches. Chuck was also on numerous boards such as the Schuman Foundation, Public Broadcasting Service, Chemical Bank, Horizon Bancorp and the Montclair Golf Club. In addition, he was president of Community Hospital in Montclair, a deacon/elder at Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair and chaired the ministerial committee at Union Chapel in Oak Bluffs. Chuck was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman as well as a self-taught wood craftsman, which earned him the nickname of Geppetto.

Chuck was survived by his daughters Lynn Pizzirusso, Debby Lewis and Heidi Bryan and his son Bruce Sanders. He also had 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Walsh, James Pizzirusso, Kelly Gereski, Erin Milbury, Megan Hwang, Weston Bryan, Lindsay Rose, Katie Bryan, Kelsey Sanders and Tyler Sanders, and 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Chuck’s life will be held on August 30 at Union Chapel at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Friends of Sengekontacket, Union Chapel or First Congregational Church of West Tisbury.

The family wishes to extend its heart-felt gratitude to the staff and physicians at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (including the lab and Infusion Center) and Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard.

Sydney Petty, Annapolis, Maryland

My Dad's sweet first cousin! He and Kit were a beautiful, friendly presence in our family -- the Johnsons.

July 9, 2014 - 7:31pm

Lela Hartsaw, Bradenton, Florida

I have had the extreme pleasure of being friends with Jennifer Walsh, Mr. Sanders' granddaughter, for many years. It was an honor to be included in this family and I was blessed to meet Gompy and his wife in 2009 at their lovely home on MV. Sometimes you meet people and know immediately you are in the presence of someone who personifies goodness. That is how I felt with Mr. & Mrs. Sanders and come to think of it, that's exactly how I felt when I met their granddaughter and her parents. That speaks volumes of their character. The Hartsaw Family sends blessings of peace to Gompy's family and friends.

July 10, 2014 - 9:24am

Barbara L Dixon (Bobbie), New York, NY

Growing up with Heidi Sanders Bryan and being at their home often, you always felt the love that Kit and Chuck Sanders had for their family and friends. And they always welcomed anyone who was there with open arms and made us feel part of their extraordinary family. We were all blessed!

July 10, 2014 - 12:24pm

Bill and Leigh Deehan, Pittsford, VT

Chuck Sanders may be gone now, but his example will continue for all who knew him. He and his sidekick, Big Jim, relished finding fun wherever it lurked. Highly accomplished; but that did not get in the way of his love and friendship toward others. We will forever think of him as a man who kept the priorities in life in view.

July 10, 2014 - 7:55pm

Maggie Johnson Sliker, Upper Marlboro, MD

Both Kit and Chuck were ultimate examples of goodness and they both shared a solid faith in humanity. They gave so much of their love to everyone who came within their homes and were such great examples of living the best one can be. Knowing them and the entire Sanders family has enriched me beyond measurement.

July 11, 2014 - 2:29pm

Deborah von Hoffmann Lanzone, Montclair, NJ

I always loved watching Mr and Mrs Sanders dance together. They could have won "Dancing with the Stars" any year hands down. And, I always knew him to be kind man. Still, I was moved to hear my mother reminisce tonight about watching him, Mr. Sanders, try to discreetly, in a back hall off stage, teach my tone-deaf and could-not-keep-a beat father how to do the steps to a song & dance routine they had volunteered to do in "The Follies" In Montclair circa 1960's. He, and Kit, were the epitome of good and the world is a drabber place without them.

July 11, 2014 - 8:25pm

The Gray Bryan Family, Edgartown Ma

Fantastic picture of Chuck in the paper! It captures that ever present twinkle in his eye. Top notch human being. It was a distinct pleasure knowing him . A loyal and steadfast friend, our memories will always bring joy and raise our spirits. Lots of love to the Sanders family. Stay close and keep telling stories.

July 13, 2014 - 9:13pm

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Charles Brabson Sanders II Was Active at Union Chapel

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