John George Saunders Sr., 57 went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at Vitas Hospice Care. Born January 19th, 1968, in Philadelphia, Pa. to Albert H Saunders Sr and Sara Elizabeth (Kyle) Saunders.
John spent most of his life in Southwest Philly, until 2007 when they made the move to South Philly. He especially loved the time spent with family and friends. You could always find John with his son John Jr with him, playing Xbox, listening to John Jr. play the drums. He enjoyed hearing his son and daughter sing to him. During his last hours on this earth, they both sang beautiful songs to their dad. John would make it a point every year to take a trip in his truck “Bessie” to Lancaster to have his free meal at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. He enjoyed time spent with some of his favorite people he cherished the most – Albert Jr, Kathy, Allison, Melanie, “JJ” and Jimmy but mostly John Jr and his daughter Briana. On bright sunny days when he was feeling up to it, you could find racing up and down the street to the park in his mobility scooter- “Dino 1”.
John was an avid fan of WWE Wresting, the Dallas Cowboys. Yes, you read that correctly… the Cowboys! He enjoyed date nights with his children at some of their favorite restaurants. He had a fond passion for his Indian Heritage.
John is predeceased in death by his mother – Sara Saunders (Kyle), his father – Albert H Saunders Sr. Son Gary Gottschall, Grandmother Sara Kyle, Uncle Jack, Sister-in-Law Dianne Varner, Brother-in-law – Kenneth Miller and Youngest Sister Kelly Saunders Maguire.
He is survived by his son and best friend John Saunders Jr (Tiegan) and Briana Lee Saunders (Milo), His wife Jessica Gottschall, Brother – Albert Saunders Jr., Sisters: Becky (Glenn) Scott, Lisa Miller, Stepmother – Audrey Saunders. Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and close friends.
Service will be held at Evangel Assembly of God upon the return from MedCure. John chose to be selfless and gave himself to research.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his son John Saunders Jr. You can contact him for the information.