Denis “Pop” Sanderson of Sparta, N.J., passed away at home on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness and a long battle with dementia.
Denis was born in Carlisle, England, before moving at age nine to East Kilbride, Scotland, where he met the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Elsie Robinson Sanderson. They moved to the U.S. in 1965 with their two children and made homes in Irvington, N.J., Bohemia, Long Island, and Rockaway, N.J., before settling in Sparta, N.J., in 1998 to enjoy his retirement.
If Denis wasn’t on the golf course you could find him on a soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football or softball field and also all track and field meets, where he was well known for cheering on the sidelines and once in a while even been ejected from the game. The kids and community knew and loved him as “Pop,” and he was loved by so many. He was the team mascot.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elsie; children, Steve Sanderson and his wife, Laura, of Succasunna, N.J., and Denise Glew and her husband, Bob, of Sparta; amazing grandchildren, who he cherished more than life itself, Connor, Christian, Ryan, Cayleigh and Brendan; sister, Norma Mackay and her husband, Donnie; and many loving nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many and loved forever.
The celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being made by Morgan Funeral Home, Netcong, N.J. (NetcongFuneral.com)