Msgr. John Conrad Sanders

     Msgr. John C. Sanders, age 93 of Stamford, passed away peacefully in Stamford on Sunday, January 6, after a brief illness.  John was born in New York on June 30, 1925 to the late Alexander and Agnes (Garcia) Sanders.  He was a veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Navy and upon his discharge entered the Juilliard School of Music.  His talent on the trombone led to an introduction to Duke Ellington whose orchestra he played with until he decided to enter the seminary in 1965.  John was ordained in 1973 and was a vital presence in several churches in Norwalk and Stamford until his retirement.

     Survivors include two sisters, Sandra Benjamin and Pamela Ferguson, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was also predeceased by his sisters Angela McLain, Carole and Tempest Sanders.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 11 AM at St. Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford.  There are no visiting hours per John’s request.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate).