David Edward Sanders, 85, of Ipswich, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on September 11, 2024. Born on December 17, 1938, in Baltimore, MD, he was the eldest of six children born to the late Edward and Theresa Sanders.

David graduated from Norwood High School, and UMass Amherst, class of ’60. After graduation he served as a US Naval aviator flying the Pacific Barrier Patrol in a non-stop loop from Midway Island to Adak, AK. His career took to the skies again when he joined US Airways and flew for 27 years, retiring as a Captain.

David was an early adopter of computers, a passion that paralleled his love for skiing, hiking, camping, and mystery novels. He was a dedicated family man who loved to travel the world with his family. He also had a penchant for pizza and spaghetti westerns.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce (Mellen) Sanders, and their daughters, Leslie Sanders of Watertown, MA, Jennifer Sanders of Methuen, MA, and Beth Smith of Hillsboro, OR. He was a cherished grandfather to Kyle, Ben, and Hannah Smith. David is also survived by his siblings, Susan Marguerite (James), Robert Sanders (Darlene Saeva), Stephen Sanders (Ruby), and Timothy Sanders (Deb McLaughlin). He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Sanders.

A gathering to celebrate David’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or a charity of your choice.