Mark Foster Sanders Sr.

Mark Foster Sanders Sr. was born in Brooklyn, NY on the Wednesday of October 19th, 1966. His mother, Beatrice M Brannon (Sanders), and father, Leeroy Hazel, welcomed him into this world with love and hopes of a promising future. Mark was born into a vibrant blended family of four brothers and one sister. As the fifth child, he developed a positive, captivating, and caring personality amongst his siblings.

He valued the family bonds that afforded him strength, confidence, and love

As Mark grew into childhood, he experienced adversity in his household as his mom and dad separated. Mark looked up to his dad as a superhero. One day Leeroy surprised Mark and little brother, Jeffery with a trip to California. They took their firstplane ride with their dad across the country. From that moment on, Mark knew life should be live with spontaneity, excitement, and joy. Mark internalized that his dad was the best and would one day share similar experiences with his own children.

Familiar to most New Yorkers growing up in Brooklyn, NY during the 1980s, the concrete jungle, forced its residents to be versatile. As a teenager being educated in the New York City public school system, Mark was an intelligent student. In addition, he thrived in the daily harsh realities of navigating his neighborhood of East New York, Brooklyn. As a result of his environment, Mark developed a hyper-vigilant life philosophy; "In times of peace prepare of war." With the desire to protect himself and those he loved: Mark became a vail of security for the family in vulnerable times; refusing to allow them to become a victim of their environment.

As Mark grew into adulthood, he attended Community College, continuously learned new skills, and earned multiple certifications. He took leadership roles within his family, giving guidance and promoting the importance of education and entrepreneurship. Later in life, Mark gained a passion for technology and completed his formal education in Fiber Optics Technology. This new skill led him to become a private contractor for large corporations and local business. Mark was a serial entrepreneur and opportunist, ensuring the compensation was always lucrative.

Mark Sr. always had a positive vision of the life he would build. Fatherhood was at the center of his definition of manhood. In his early twenty's, he matured within his blended family providing stability for his two young boys, Tony and Antwon, and his little girl, Toryia Hamilton. His unconditional love for them is undeniable over multiple decades.

Mark was the patriarch in their blended family dynamic.

Throughout adulthood, Mark created his legacy with three phenomenal sons Rashaad, Mark Jr., and Taikown. Being able to witness his children navigate their lives in amazing ways made him proud to be their dad. He learned to love each of his children differently and still taught them all the same life lessons. He made sure each child received their own unforgettable experiences. "Pops" solidified his alpha role and established lifelong bonds with all his children and grandchildren.

After several years of residing in Georgia with Tony, Mark Sr. travelled back to New York. While there, he spent quality time with his nieces and nephews who he adores as his own children. Finally, making his journey to his eldest brother, Donald Williams, in Oklahoma City. Mark Sr., and Donald spent the last eight months of his life together.

During his critical health period, Tony and Donald's love and care was greatly valued and appreciated. Mark Sr. spent his final hours reflecting on memories, praying, and listening to his favorite songs with Rashaad, Mark, and Taikown. Mark Sr.'s last words was I love you!

Mark transitioned to join his predeceased Mother, Beatrice M Brannon (Sanders), and Father, Leeroy Hazel; Siblings Russell, Ann, and Richard Sanders; Cousin Ronald Faulk; Nephew Cameron Sanders; and Grandson Jo' heem Hamilton.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Children: Rashaad (Shaleese), Mark Jr., and Taikown Sanders; Tony (Betty), Toria (Raheem), and Antwon (Kwatiz) Hamilton.

Grandchildren: Rashaad Jr., Omari, Kari, Taikown Jr., Armani, Amelia, Kelaeja, Gemma, Ivy, Izabella, Trustin, Kyloh, Octavean, and Legend Sanders; Antwon Jr., RayReese, Tanya, Attoria, Tony Jr., Tanya, Raynikia, and Tafari Hamilton.

Siblings: Donald (Von) Williams and Jeffery (Julie) Sanders.

Nieces and Nephews: Charmese, Lintisha, Tori, Vanessa, Mercia Colemen, Jeffery Jr, Leah, Meghan, Sean, Nicole, Natalie, Dawn, Russel Jr., Keith, Keshaw, Talisa, Shawn, Renni, and Dashawnna Sanders, Donald, and Quala Williams Wife: Stacey Sanders.

Lastly Mark leaves a host of cousins,extended family, and special friends that loved Mark Foster Sanders Sr.

A calling hour will be held this Saturday, January 18,2025 from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm with a service to immediately follow at 12:30 pm, all inside of Pettigrass Funeral Home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn, NY 13021.

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