Russell David Sanders

SANDERS – Russell David, 71, Summerhill, died September 20, 2026. Born August 24, 1955, in Johnstown, son of the late Russell W. “Sparky” and Florence A. (Dobrowolsky) Sanders.

Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Cynthia (Davis) Sanders, whom he married July 17, 1976; sons, Christopher; and Jonathan, married to Jessica (Fischer); brothers, Gary, married to Deborah (Kitchick); and Kelly, married to Merlene (Thomas); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Greater Johnstown Vo-Tech, Class of 1973. He was a member of St. John Vianney in Mundys Corner, where he served as an altar server during weekday Mass and Eucharistic Minister on weekends. Dave retired from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 2022 after nearly 40 years in law enforcement. During his career, he served in the K9 Unit and tactical operations and worked as a detective with the Fugitive Squad, collaborating with agents and investigators from the FBI’s Violent Crimes Division, the DEA, and organized crime units. He also dedicated much of his career to training and development of other officers. As an Academy Coordinator and member of the Training Unit, he helped prepare new recruits, instructed experienced officers, and served as a firearms instructor. He later became a Federal Instructor for Rapid Response and active-shooter training, bringing decades of operational experience to the classroom. While Dave was deeply committed to his profession, his life was about so much more than police work. He enjoyed fishing, loved riding his motorcycle, and cherished time spent at the shooting range. Above all, Dave loved his family. Those who knew him will remember the man behind the badge. A devoted husband and father, a man of faith, and someone who found joy in the simple things he loved.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Father Timothy Harris, TOR, celebrant. 

Committal, St. Mary’s Cemetery, New Germany. 

Arrangements By Charles O. Dimond Funeral Home, Inc., South Fork. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to: Children of Fallen Police Officers Foundation. Online at www.policeofficersfoundation.org/