John F. Sanders, age 78 of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Born on January 2, 1948, in Canandaigua, New York, to Henry and Kathrine (Cooper) Sanders. As a child, John could most accurately be described as a thoughtful, intuitive, sensitive, and mischievous farm boy. John graduated from Canandaigua Academy, Class of 1966, and was looking forward to his 60th class reunion. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971 as an Armored Supply Sergeant.

John embodied the values of hard work, honesty, and a strong passion for quality and service. In 1982, John went on to found Sanders Contracting, Inc., a residential roofing company serving the greater Rochester area with integrity until his retirement in 2011, when he proudly turned the business over to his sons-in-law, Bryan Laity and Christian Richards.

John had many passions, his favorite being watching and cheering on his grandsons during their swimming and running competitions. In his retirement, he enjoyed dining out, entertaining at his home, traveling in the Caribbean, kayaking, bowling, and organizing and competing in weekly cornhole leagues at his local American Legion and Eagles club. Through these leagues, John met Pam (Maples) Sanders, with whom he spent the last four years in love and marriage.

Although John was very proud of all his professional accomplishments, his proudest accomplishment was his family. John was the father of two daughters, Lori (Bryan) Laity and Tracy (Christian) Sanders-Richards, and the “Papa” of four grandsons, Brendan and Canon Laity, and Keaton and Leighton Richards. He is also survived by his sister, Dianna Massa, brother, Richard (Millie) Sanders, and countless beloved friends whom he equated as family.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brother James “Jim” Sanders.

John was a funny, light-hearted entertainer and made fast friends wherever he went. Those who knew him best would lovingly describe him as a stubborn but kind-hearted and generous person. John will be sorely missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A private service will be held for interment at Sampson National Veterans Cemetery, Romulus, NY.

To share a memory or express condolences online, please visit www.fullerfh.com.