Ralph Vincent Saunders

Mr. Ralph Vincent Saunders, 58, affectionately known as “Chic” to his family and his close friends, broke a lot of hearts when he left us suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Saturday, July 22nd. from 4:00-6:00PM.  During the visitation at 5:00PM, there will be a prayer service conducted by the Reverend Bryan Wolf.  The cremation in Rosehill Crematory, Linden will be private.

Please omit flowers!  Donation in Ralph’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks, by mail at Donations Processing Center, Autism Speaks, PO Box 37148, Boone IA 50037-0148 or online at http://www.autismspeaks.org

Ralph, the son of MaryAnn Stano Saunders and the late Charles Ralph Saunders was born in South Amboy, New Jersey, but Ralph was a Linden boy his entire life, through and through.

He was employed by the Insulators Union Local 32, Newark New Jersey, dealing with commercial and industrial insulation installation from 1985 until 2006, when a disability forced him to retire.

Throughout his life, Ralph enjoyed being out on the boat, taking in the salty smell of the ocean, the sheer joy of being on the water with the glorious sun shining on his face.  Although Ralph was not a big sports fanatic, he did appreciate watching (with high hopes of a win) the NY Jets football team each week with their fans’ famous battle cry J-E-T-S, JETS! JETS! JETS!  Mattel’s Hot Wheels, for an unknown reason, were a big hit with him and Ralph amassed quite a substantial collection of them.  He also enjoyed the freedom of the open road and the fast pace of riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle whenever and wherever he could.  For him, it was a great way to release any stress, work through everyday problems and clear his mind.  However, even with all of this, the most important part of Ralph’s world was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.  They brought him a joy that could not be defined nor measured.

Ralph was predeceased by his father, Charles Ralph Saunders and his grandson, Matthew.

Ralph is survived by his three children, Nicole Lojewski and her husband, Tyler, Staci Saunders and RJ Saunders and his girlfriend, Angel; his mother, MaryAnn Stano Saunders; his brother, Anthony T. Saunders; his sister, MaryAnn Klutkowski and her husband, Thomas; his grandchildren, Emma and Katerina and his former spouse, Susan Saunders.

Ralph had some difficult years that took a toll on himself, his family, and his friends.  However, Ralph was blessed to find a path to make his way back to the love that he shared with everyone who was truly so important to him   It emphasizes the saying that indeed, “love can conquer all!” 

We, as a family, ask for your prayers and support, as we mourn the loss of our Chic.  Even though our hearts are breaking, and tears fill our eyes, we know that our love for Ralph will forever keep his memory alive! 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.