Charles A. "Alan" Saunders

“Mr. Charles” “Coach Charles”

Charles A. “Alan” Saunders of Mount Washington passed away in the care of Canterbury Place on March 10, 2023, with his family and close friend by his side.

Charles was born and raised in Hazelwood. He grew to become a dedicated and integral part of the Pittsburgh area. Charles was extremely active in many not-for-profit organizations throughout Western Pennsylvania including Auberle Employment Institute, Boys and Girls Clubs, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), Pirates Charities, Roberto Clemente Foundation, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Allegheny County Jail, and Headstart. Charles never sought recognition for all his hard work, but others acknowledged his many efforts and presented him with numerous accolades and awards.

Charles listened and easily engaged in conversation. To the kids in the various clubs and programs he was “Mr. Charles”, a term of endearment they would use even years after their club or program involvement ended.

Charles truly enjoyed spending time with his wife Cheryl. Every summer they traveled with their nieces and nephew, Cassandra, Lindsey and Joseph, to Niagara Falls, Kennywood Park and Idlewild.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Lonzo Vernon Saunders, Sr. and Loretta Mae Jackson Saunders, and his brother, Lonzo Vernon Saunders, Jr. 

Charles will be greatly missed by his loving wife Cheryl and his extended family, Oliver (late Gloria) Hall, Sheila Hall, Duane Hill, Deloris (John) Wallace, William Kappler, Patricia (Thomas Howerter) Lawler, Barbara (Steven Webb) Lawler, Janet (Todd) Christensen, Elizabeth (Chad) Christensen, Lynn (Lee Layhue) Rush, Cassandra Rush, Joseph Rush, Lindsey Cable, Gloria (Kevin Stempek) Lawler, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family and friends welcome Friday, March 17, 2023, 2-7 pm WM. SLATER & SONS, INC., (412-381-3345) 301 Virginia Ave., Mt. Washington, 15211 where a celebration of life service will be held Friday 7 pm. Burial will be private to the family.

Slater Funeral - Home Page