Richard "Rick" Gayne Saunders Jr.

Richard “Rick” Gayne Saunders Jr., 70, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025 at Strong Memorial Hospital. Richard was born on September 2nd, 1954, in Rochester, New York, to Richard Saunders and Marilynn Ann Saunders (née Welsh). He is survived by his two sons, Adam R. Saunders and Christopher J. Saunders, his daughter, Jeanine Marie Lyn Saunders, and his brother, Kym Saunders. Richard was a graduate of the Albion College, School of Business, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Following his education, he began his career at Ron Ink Co. of Rochester, working as Production Manager. Through dedication and expertise, he rose through the ranks and was appointed Vice President and General Manager in 1987 after 12 years in the ink and graphic arts industry. Rick also had a passion for security and protective services, working in administrative security and public safety for organizations such as Airport-Holiday Inn, St. Ann’s Community, Kodak, and the Xerox Corporation. A private pilot, Rick found some of his greatest joy soaring through the skies. After earning his private pilot’s license in 1993, he embraced the freedom and thrill of flight. Whether taking off on a clear morning or sharing stories of his 1974 Piper PA28-151, he lived with the heart of an aviator. When his feet were on the ground, he could be found behind the wheel of a beautifully preserved Cadillac Coupe DeVille or Eldorado, or admiring the sleek curves of a Chevrolet Corvette—two of his greatest automotive loves. Richard was a proud member of the American Society for Quality, the Michigan Professional Police Association, and the New York State Sheriffs’ Association. A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Richard will be held on April 5th at 12PM to 3PM at the EAA Chapter 44 Aviation Center, 44 Eisenhauer Dr, Brockport, NY. "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ ‘Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?’" – 1 Corinthians 15:54-56