Mark Vernon Saunders

Mark Saunders, 84 of Perry, died February 23, 2024 at the Eastside Nursing facility where he had been residing. He was born on August 2, 1939 in Warsaw, NY and was the beloved son to the late Vernon and Gertrude (Wolfer) Saunders.

Mark was an icon and legend in Perry. Someone recently told the family, “If there was ever a statue in Perry, it would be of Mark Saunders.” Mark was well known as the local paperboy, and would make various stops along his route gathering the local news and making sure everyone was up to date on the town happenings. His first route, which he took over for his older brother Steve, was for the Rochester Times Union. He later delivered the Batavia Daily News. Mark’s brothers estimated that he delivered over a million newspapers in his 55-year career riding his treasured bikes called the “Cadillac” and “Nellie Bell”. After retiring from his newspaper route, he worked for Hill Top Industries in Mt. Morris for 8 years, where he met many new friends. While working at Hill Top Mark was moved from his home at 10 Grove street in Perry to the Hope IRA in Retsof. He was loved by all who worked and lived there.

Mark was a faithful member of the Baptist Church of Perry where he was the “Supervisor” for the AWANA Program. He also served as “monitor” on the Sunday School bus with a clipboard and whistle, known for recruiting many new families to the church and a crossing guard for the school. Mark was an Honorary member of the Perry Fire Department and would be one of the first to know where the fire was located, listening to his scanner late into the night. One of his nurse’s from Perry said every morning Mark would ask her if there had been a fire while he had been sleeping. On his 50th birthday the fire department held a parade in honor of Mark.

Mark looked forward to the annual Memorial Day parade in the village where Mark’s duty was to lead all the children in the bike parade. Mark’s greatest joy was all his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and bragged on them often. “Member me, right?” his iconic greeting, helped him develop friendships across generations. He was adored by all who met him.

He is survived by 3 brothers: Stephen (Diane) Saunders of Pittsford, Dan Saunders of New York City and Dwight (Linny) Saunders of Phoenix, AZ, along with 15 nieces & nephews, and 20 great nieces & great nephews.

Family and friends may call from 3-7pm on Tuesday February 27th at the Eaton-Watson Funeral Home 98 North Main St in Perry. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday February 28th at the First Congregational Church in Perry Center at 12:00pm.

Memorials may be made to “The GEM Foundation”. The Gem Foundation is a special needs orphanage run by his niece. A school room will be named in Marks honor. Checks can be made to “The Gem Foundation, 4022 E Greenway Rd, Suite 11 #190 Phoenix AZ 85032 or visit online the gemfoundation.com to donate.