The Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services 614-882-2121
John Saunders Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

Arrangements

Family will recieve friends 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, July 14th 2023 at the Hill funeral home, 220 S. State St., Westerville.

Natalie, Emily and Brian we are so sorry for your loss. Know we are always here for you.

Uncle John, thank you for having my back in the great Pepsi/Coke debate and always having a Pepsi ready for me! I loved the bottles of wine you have given me to celebrate those big occasions and the stories behind them. One is still on my mantle today - empty of course. You always were there for my Dad when he needed you most and your love for your kids has shined through like no other. I will always cherish being a ‘big cousin’ to them. Fly high in that sky and make us some wine/champagne clouds when you have a chance. You are loved.

Melanie Andolina

View Other Condolences
Add Your Condolence

Obituary for John Saunders

John Saunders 1954-2023

John Saunders

01/17/1954 - 07/10/2023

John C. Saunders, 69, of Westerville Ohio passed away on Monday July 10th, 2023. 

 

John was born on January 17th, 1954 to James Edward Saunders and Dora Margaret Saunders. He is the youngest of four children, James Scott, William Robert “Wilbur”, and Ginger Ann. 

 

John attended The Ohio State University where he was awarded several advanced degrees. He taught American Government at C-TEC Career and Technology Education Center of Licking County for over 30 years. To fulfill his lifelong passion of food and wine, he was a server at the Refectory Restaurant for over 40 years. He had a true passion for food and wine pairings and was always excited to share his knowledge with all who were lucky enough to be seated in his section. He was easily spotted on the restaurant floor taking in the aromas of a new wine pour with his “Einstein” hair style and mustache. 

 

He enjoyed spending his retirement by reading classic American literature, bird watching and re-living his Kanku Dai competition days. He was an avid gardener and took pride in his rose and basil plants. He ended each night with his beloved cat Tora and a face time with his grandson, KJ, to cheer him on. 

 

His family and friends could always count on a lengthy conversation over a bottomless fine wine. He enjoyed political discussions and traveling to see and critique new restaurants. You could always catch him at a wine tasting talking about all things “Provence.”

 

He will be missed by those who knew him as “The Professor” and “Uncle John” but he will be especially missed by his children who called him “Papi”, Natalie Anne Mostacada “Panda Pooh” (Dr. Klauss Mostacada), Dr. Emily Christine Kumazec “Booh-Booh” (Kiel Kumazec), Brian Michael Saunders “Stinker” (Chad Gibson), and his best bud Klauss James Mostacada, his first grandson. 

 

John loved his family, extended family, and friends with all his heart and he will be deeply missed every time a magnum of champagne is popped. 

 

Family will recieve friends 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Friday, July 14th 2023 at the Hill funeral home, 220 S. State St., Westerville.