Richard L. Saunders

Suffragan Bishop Richard L. Saunders, 90, New Haven Resident and husband to Rev. Dr. Geraldine McFarland Saunders, entered into eternal rest Oct. 30. He was born Dec. 29, 1933 in Ormand Beach  Fl., son of the late Rubin & Mary Saunders. He attended Campbell St. High School in Daytona Beach, FL., and came to CT in July 1956 after being discharged from U.S. Air Force after serving four years. He was employed at Fafnir Bearing for 33 years. He began as a repair person. He advanced to machine operator, production clerk, and time analyst to being in charge of the mail room. He worked there until he made the decision to devote himself to the full time ministry of The Lord. After graduating from The Holy Apostles College for pastoral counseling, He became a member of Bethesda Apostolic Church in 1958. He served under the pastorship of the late John T. Shaw for 18 years, holding positions as associate minister, President of Young People, Sunday Outreach Program Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Church Representative for the local Boy Scouts, Church Clerk, Prayer Band Leader and Street Ministry Leader. Suffragan Bishop Saunders served in the CT. District Council as Young People, Sunday School Field Worker, Assistant Secretary, Brotherhood Chaplain and President of the Evangelism and Church Extension Auxiliary. He was Chairman of The CT. District Council for six years. Suffragan Bishop Saunders transferred his member ship to The Star of Bethlehem Church in 1975 and served as Sunday School Teacher. Having proved himself to be a true and faithful servant, he went on to being appointed Assistant Pastor, Co-Pastor then Pastor of the Church. In addition to his loving wife Geraldine, he leaves to cherish his memory his grandson Mark McFarland II, his  sister Cleo Reid of Fl., 5 godchildren Robin & Michael Shaw, Crystal McPhail & Tanya Jones as well as a host of nieces, nephews and relatives. He was predeceased by his Step-Son Mark McFarland Sr. Friends may call on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at The Star of Bethlehem Church in Ansonia from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Beulah Heights Church, 782 Orchard St. in New Haven. Calling hours will also be held there 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the funeral begins. Burial with military honors accorded will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery in Ansonia. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, has been privileged with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Beulah Heights Church.

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