Obituary - Charles Benjamin Saunders

Charles Benjamin Saunders, 78, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on December 16, 2022. Charles was born February 18, 1944 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Benjamin F. Saunders and Virginia Cralle Saunders. Charles grew up in Richmond, attended Douglas Freeman High School, and graduated from North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, NC. After college, he taught math in Woodbridge, Virginia, where he met his wife of 53 years, Porcilla Mariotti Saunders. They moved to Greenbelt, Maryland and after a few years, moved back to Richmond where he raised his family. Charles retired in 2011 from the Department of Social Services for the State of Virginia. Charles is survived by his wife, Porcilla; daughter, Lisa Passarella and her husband Mark of Charlottesville; son, Scott Saunders and his wife Manya of Richmond; his beloved grandchildren, Bradley Passarella, Elizabeth Passarella and Cameron Passarella, Charles M. Saunders, Alex Saunders, and Hunter Saunders; sister, Carolyn Pearcy of New Braunfels, Texas; nephew, Andy Pettigrew and wife Claire of Houston, Texas; niece, Beth West and husband Ronny of Buda, Texas; as well as several cousins. Charles enjoyed golfing, visiting his vacation home in Myrtle Beach, and meeting former co-workers for lunch. His greatest joy was his family, especially his six grandchildren. Charles loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events and was their biggest fan. He was so proud of them and their accomplishments. A special thanks to Dr. Charlie Phillips, Dr. Trevor Poseneau, and Dr. Graham Bundy for taking such great care of our dad. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 6, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 903 Forest Avenue, in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ name can be made to the American Heart Association or the Wounded Warrior Project.