Obituary of Richard Charles Sanner Jr

Richard C. Sanner Jr.

11.17.1967 - 11.15.2023

Rich lived a life like none other.  Right after graduating from Wallkill high school in 1985, he became an auto mechanic, which he found sufficient to cover his beer and cigarette budget, with some left over to fund his punk rock lifestyle. He always had enough to help his starving friends out and loved being able to cover the tab.  He married his wife Lorraine on August 28, 1994 and together they moved to Arizona the following year to embrace his love of motorcycles and not shoveling snow.  He rode whatever he could whenever he could as long as it had 2 wheels and a decent exhaust system. From dirt to street, from the tip of Baja to the Artic Circle and back, Rich was always happiest with the wind in his face and the throttle fully twisted.

2018 started with a surgery planned for something called Appendix Cancer – he laughed and shrugged it off. “What’s the worst that could happen? It’s just an appendix!” The surgery took the entire day, 10lbs of tumors & mucin, and 6 internal organs including his entire large intestine.  He thought he’d never ride again but he was back at it by that spring.  In 2021 and 2022, he rode solo from his home in New River to New York and back again, clocking over 6000 miles each trip with one saddlebag dedicated to carrying his medical supplies.  In October 2022 the cancer came back. Then shingles, then pneumonia before his body had had enough.

Wherever he’s gone I know he’s once again enjoying a beer with his best friend who’s been waiting for him to gear up and explore the great beyond.

He’s survived by those who adored his sarcasm, his smile, and his endless enthusiasm.

Donations can be made to ACPMP.org

If you'd like to hear his music one more time please visit https://junkinthetrunk.bandcamp.com