Willy A. A. Sander II, 73, passed away on July 1, 2025. Born on April 19, 1952, in New York, Willy lived in Queens and was the oldest of six children. After moving to Staten Island, he joined the family tradition to work on the Staten Island Ferry in New York City and served as a Deckhand and Mate. It was on Staten Island that he met his devoted and loving wife Joan, who was the love of his life.
In his spare time, Willy participated in a variety of sports, including football, competitive judo, and shooting. As a shooting sports enthusiast, he particularly enjoyed hunting with friends and family and shared his expertise by teaching range safety to youth groups. He was also a fan of professional sports and cheered on the New York teams. When he moved to Clearwater, Florida, he adopted the local teams and started cheering for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays as well.
Willy was a dedicated member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, serving in leadership roles in both New York and Florida, including Exalted Ruler, Secretary, Trustee, State Sergeant at Arms, as well as chairman on a variety of committees. Through his involvement, he made numerous and lifelong friends.
Willy is survived by his wife Joan Procida; daughter and son-in-law Lisa (Mancuso) and Jeff Daly; grandsons Nigel, Gavin, and Sebastian Daly; siblings Dorothy Sander, Debra Sander Zarrelli, and Roger Sander; and his extended family, including many nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents Willy Sander and Dorothy Clements and brothers Richard and Robert.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Willy will be remembered for his love of family and for time gathered around the table enjoying board games and the home-cooked meals he prepared. And as he would say, “the A. A. stands for absolutely adorable.” He will be missed.
