Joseph Miles Sanderson

After a long and courageous battle with cancer. Joseph (Papa Joe) Miles Sanderson passed away peacefully at the age of 69 at Wilson Memorial Hospital on April 1, 2016, surrounded by the ones he laughd with, lived for and loved always. He leaves behind his best friend and beloved wife of 48 years, Linda, his daughters, Jill Peters, Kelly Hillis, Tracy Sanderson, Krista Sanderson and Jody Zevan (Saved the best for last). Papa Joe was blessed with 8 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Joe was born on March 14, 1947 in Greene, NY. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and spent 1964 to 1967 serving our country in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he married his soulmate Linda Kvaltine. Joe then went back to work for IBM for the next 30 years in the tool and die shop, and moved to Chenango Bridge to raise his family. Papa Joe was driven to fix anything. The King of Modification, his clever ideas and a garage full of tools fueled his theory "everything can be put back together." Which is very handy when your son-in-law, John, is famous for breaking or sinking, everything he borrowed. After retiring from IBM, Joe began a second career at Broome Developmental Center. This was a match made in heaven. Todd, Charlie Jeff welcomed him in as family. In between work orders and practical jokes, a deep seeded friendship and family evolved. Joe's best friend, Mike Holcomb helped our father fuel crazy ventures, was always there first to help, and stayed with our father right to the end. We cannot thank these gentleman enough for their love and support. Our family would love to express our thanks and gratitude to the members of Lourdes Hospice staff, at the UHS Palliative Care Team, all the nurses and aides on ST5 (Tamara- you are a saint), the staff on ST3 and the UHS ER physicians, nurses and staff. Dr. Ronald Harris and staff at Broome Oncology for the chemotherapy and treatments that slowed his cancer progression and gave us a little more quality time with our father. Dr. Sethi and Mo for giving him the gift of his legs until the pain was to much. Their dedication and effort to provide quality care and comfort over the last couple weeks was heartwarming, and never to be forgotten. A huge hug goes out to the parish members of St. Joseph's Church in Sanitaria Springs. Thank you for all your prayers and support. It is just like you Papa Joe, to keep the humor alive and let go on April Fools Day. Perfect. In this past year, it has been an honor and privilege for us girls to hold your hand through the endless treatments and appointments. We understand now, "why do today what can't be put off until tomorrow." If I knew that was my last Yathzee game with you, I might finally let you win! We love you with all our hearts because we get it. You had to stop breathing so we could start. Thank you Papa Joe. Remember, "We love you like a fat kid loves cake!"

The family will receive friends on Saturday April 16, 2016 from 1-4 pm at the Wm. R Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY 13901. A private service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers. kindly consider donations in Joe's memory to the BC Humane Society, 2 Jackson Street, Binghamton, NY 13903.