THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 29, 1995 TAG: 9510290022
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Manuel B. Saunders, 74, of the 400 block of Surburban Parkway, died Oct. 28, 1995, in a Norfolk hospital.
Mr. Saunders was a native and life long resident of Norfolk. He began his career in the grocery business over 50 years ago in his father's store in downtown Norfolk. He was a founder of the Be-Lo Food Store chain and at the time of his death was the chairman of the board for Camelia Food Stores, Inc. and president of J.L. Saunders Inc.
He was one of the founding fathers of Temple Israel and was one of its past presidents. He was also a trustee as well as an honarary president of the temple. He was a 1939 graduate of Maury High School, and a veteran of World War II. He was a past president of the Virginia Food Dealers Association, and a former campaign co-chairman of Israel Bonds.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sophie Levitt Saunders; a daughter, Rita L. Saunders of Virginia Beach; two sons, Marshall E. Saunders and his wife, Susan, of Livingston, N.J., and Richard A. Saunders and his wife, Laure of Virginia Beach; two sisters, Thelma S. Fantuch and Shirley S. Hurwitz, both of Norfolk; two brothers, Samuel P. Saunders and Leon Saunders, both of Norfolk; and three grandchildren, Jason, Rachel and Michael Saunders.
A Temple service will be conducted at noon Monday in Temple Israel by Rabbi Michael E. Panitz and Cantor Yael Fischman. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the building fund of Temple Israel, 7255 Granby St., Norfolk, Va. 23505. The family will receive friends at the residence. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk, will be handling the arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB