Robert D. Saunders

Robert D. Saunders, of Randolph, passed away November 3, 2016 at the age of 84. Bob was a resident of Randolph for 60 years. He worked at Boston Edison for 41 years as a Manager in the Rate Research Department. Bob worked as an administrative assistant for external affairs for the Northeastern University hockey program for 22 years. He previously served as goaltenders coach from 1989 to 1993. Prior to that, he was on the staff at Rensselaer for 11 years, including RPI’s NCAA championship season of 1984-85. A 1961 NU graduate, Bob had been a part of the New England ice hockey community nearly all his life, competing on several amateur teams in his playing days before entering the collegiate coaching ranks as an assistant at Holy Cross in 1973. He coached at every level, including a stretch from 1994-1997 at UMass Boston. In 1998, Bob was given the American Hockey Coaches Association’s Terry Flanagan Award for lifetime achievement, honoring him for his experience with so many different individual programs and for his contributions to the development of national coaching clinics. Bob was given the Friends of NU Hockey Fernie Flaman Award for dedication and commitment to NU hockey in 2001. He also enjoyed baseball and was involved in Little League and Babe Ruth. He especially loved watching the Red Sox and Bruins.

Beloved husband for 63 years of Geraldine (McTernan) Saunders. Loving father of R. Daniel Saunders and Geralyn Saunders, both of Randolph. Dear grandfather of David and his wife Dana of E. Bridgewater, Derek (USCG) of MI, and Emily of Easton, and great-grandfather of Shane. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Alice (Irvin) Saunders; his brothers, Alfred and Walter; and his sister, Barbara McKenzie.

Visiting hours will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home, 134 So. Main St. (Rt. 28), Randolph on Monday, November 7th from 4-8pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment private. Late US Army Korean War and Navy Reserves Veteran. En lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the Brockton VA Hospital Hospice Unit, 940 Belmont St., Brockton, MA 02301.