Carlton S. Saunders

Carlton S. Saunders, affectionately known "Sleepy, passed away peacefully on as November 4, 2025, at Capital Health in Hopewell, New Jersey.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, on August 30. 1945, Carlton spent his early years in Princeton before relocating with his family to Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where he-resided until his passing

Carlton was educated in the Princeton Public School System and was a proud graduate of Princeton High School. It was there that he met the love of his life. Linda, and the two quickly became high school sweethearts. Their love blossomed into a 1felong partnership, and from their union, they were blessed with one daughter. Together, they built and loving home in a warm Lawrenceville, where they lived for many wonderful years.

In January 1966, Carlton answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He served honorably until October 1968 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until January 1972

After his military service. Carlton furthered his education at Lincoln Technical Institute, earning his Boiler Engineer License on January 1, 1977. He went on to build a distinguished career as a Boiler Operator Engineer, working for many years at Princeton University and later at Trenton High School. His dedication and expertise earned him the respect of his colleagues and satisfaction of a job well done.

Carlton was truly a man's man who embraced life with joy and passion. He loved riding his motorcycle, dancing--often surprising everyone with an impromptu split on the dance floor and enjoying music of every kind. His impressive album collection reflected his deep appreciation for all genres. Few <new that Carlton was also an exceptional carpenter, mechanic, and artist. He found peace and happiness in gardening, fishing, grilling, and playing horseshoes, always bringing family and friends together through his warm spirit, humor, and laughter.

Carlton was preceded in death by his father, William H. Saunders; his mother, Emma M. Saunders; his sister, Karen S. Crawford; and his beloved aunt Mary Rhetta Hoagland.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Linda Saunders of Lawrenceville. NI: his loving daughter, Fina Saunders of Rockville, MD: his cherished granddaughter, Dalis Graham, and her fiancé, Troy Eckles, both of Washington, DC; his brother William H. Saunders, Jr. of Princeton, NJ: and a son he never had but dearly loved, Bruce N. Graham Jr. of Pemberton, NJ.

He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will forever remember his laughter, generosity, and strength.

Carlton's legacy of love, hard work, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral service will be 1pm Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church, 124 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ 08542.  Calling hour will be 12:30pm until the time of service. Interment will be at Princeton Cemetery, Princeton, NJ.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carlton S. Saunders, please visit our floral store.