Bernard ‘Sonny’ Sanders

Bernard "Sonny" Sanders, 79, of South Pasadena, FL, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025. Sonny was born on June 10, 1945, in Stamford, CT, to Bernard Sr. and Margaret (Robinson) Sanders. The family soon moved to St Louis, MO and eventually Speedway, IN, where Sonny graduated from Speedway High School in 1963. In Speedway, Sonny met the love of his life Bonnie (his high school sweetheart) and they shared a remarkable 65-year journey together. Their first date was on September 23, 1960, at the Italian Village in Indianapolis, followed by the movie ‘Come September’. This marked the beginning of a beautiful love story. Shortly after they married and started having children, Sonny and Bonnie relocated their growing family to Clearwater, FL (1973). Sonny lived the remainder of his life in the Clearwater / St. Petersburgh area. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family, lifelong Speedway friends, and his friends and neighbors in Florida. He cherished moments when his children and grandchildren were all together. An avid sports fan, he especially enjoyed cheering for Tampa sports teams. Sonny is survived by his devoted wife, Bonnie; his children, David (Edie) Sanders, Scott (Jean) Sanders, Shelley (Skip) Pierce, and Amy Sanders (Jim Candee); his beloved grandchildren, Megan, Brandon (Addie), Ethan, Joanie, Maggie, Sarah, Sydney, Rick, and Addie; his sister, Patricia Sanders; and many cousins, aunts, nieces, and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.