Loren R. Sanderson

[ Originally published on: Monday, October 12, 2009 ]

Loren (Larry) R. Sanderson, 62, of Florida died on Oct. 5, 2009.

Larry was born in Upland, Calif., the son of Beatrice Admire and Jess Sanderson. He lived most of his life in Millers Falls, Mass., and recently retired in Florida.

Larry was an avid muscle car enthusiast, having meticulously restored award winning show cars. He was well known at Lebanon Valley in the early 1970s for his drag-racing skills and the power he built into his vehicles. Chevelles were his favorite, but his knowledge of cars was vast. Larry often diagnosed car problems of family and friends over the phone.

He was a talented ''Mr. Fix-it'' and was creative with his use of tools. If he didn't have the right tool for the job, he made one. He enjoyed snowmobiling, tinkering in his garage, and watching car races (always cheering for the underdog).

Larry was a former employee of Franks Service Station in Erving, Boston and Maine Railroad, and Lunt Silversmiths. In addition, he built and operated two small businesses - Larry's Small Engine Repair Shop and Sanderson Machine.

Larry was a generous and considerate man, and a loving and caring father.

Survivors include his daughters Jamie Paciorek and Carrie Cooke; grandson Jayden Paciorek; girlfriend Lesley Shuler; former wife and close friend Gaylee Arel; and sons-in-law Tim Paciorek and Shane Cooke. He is also survived by his sisters Kay Colon and Tina Hagelstein; brothers Jamie Jarry and Leroy Gilbert. He also leaves several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and many great friends.

Larry was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Jerry Stokes and Alan Gilbert.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Montague Elks Lodge at 1 Columbus Ave. in Turners Falls. The memorial service will begin at 3:30 p.m., and guests are invited to stay for a meal immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Treasure Coast Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the memorial service, and donations can also be made via their Web site at www.tchospice.org, or by mail to 2500 Virginia Ave., Suite 202, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.

 

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