Dennis E. Saunders

Dennis Eugene Saunders, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, died of complications related to cancer on September 1, 2026. He was born in Binghamton, NY in 1948 to Elaine and Robert Saunders. Dennis was one of five kids and often talked fondly about growing up with them and his friends on Newton Street.

He met the love of his life, Ingrid, only three short months before leaving for Vietnam and got to know her through letters, ultimately proposing marriage 56 years ago in one of those letters. Dennis proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the war.

Dennis was a devoted and loving father to Wendy and Holly, who dearly miss him and the life lessons he imparted to them. He was a skilled carpenter and will be most remembered for making sure everything he built or hung was level, even if the wall or floor was not. Thanks to their father, his girls know how to fix and level most things. His grandchildren, Nathan and Gabriel, have fond memories of playing hide-and-seek with him, having to claim “uncle” to get out of a playful stronghold, and learning to sand with the grain, measure twice, and have patience. Time with them and his family was his greatest gift.

Dennis worked for the Sponsored Funds Administration at the Research Foundation at Binghamton University for 35 years. He enjoyed working with his coworkers and administering grants and contracts for such projects that have impacted our society in positive ways. His most talked-about grant that he administered was the early development of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Dennis retired in 2013.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and his brother, Gary. He is survived by his wife, Ingrid; daughters, Wendy McGar and Holly Saunders; son-in-law, Jeffrey McGar; grandchildren, Nathan and Gabriel McGar; Mother, Elaine Saunders; brothers and spouses, Ronald and Marilyn, and Timothy and Sally Saunders; sister and spouse Linda and Webb Sisson; cousin and spouse Kelly and Dave Robinson; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. with a short service to follow on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Ogden Hillcrest United Methodist Church, 1061 Chenango St, Binghamton, NY 13901. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation.