Sanford M. Tanner

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Sanford M. Tanner, age 97, of Warwick, passed away at home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. He was the husband of the late Marion F. (Doolin) Tanner. They were married for 65 years.

Born in Providence on December 25, 1920, a son of the late H. Frank Tanner and Myrtle L. (Bridges) Tanner, he lived in the Edgewood section of Cranston before moving to Governor Francis Farms in Warwick in 1952. He worked for 36 years for American Airlines as Chief of Operations at the T.F. Green Airport. His passion for antiques gave rise to his second career as an antiques dealer. Mr. Tanner was a World War II enlisted Army veteran, and served with the 663rd Topographical Engineers in the European Theater. He was awarded 5 Bronze Battle Stars. On October 20, 2018, he had the privilege of participating in a World War II Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

He is survived by his children, Richard S. Tanner and wife Janet, of Portsmouth, Philip A. Tanner and wife Karen, of Warwick, and Nancy J. Plumb and her husband William, of Warwick; his beloved grandchildren: Nathaniel S. Tanner, Thomas R. Tanner and wife Katie, Jennifer S. Tanner, Melissa Kelly and husband James, and Lori C. Schubert and husband Matthew; and five great-grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Julia Tanner, and the grandfather of the late Stacey E. Tanner.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 12, at 10 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a service at 11 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 139 Ocean Avenue, Cranston. Relatives and friends are invited, and may visit at the funeral home on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Save the Bay, 100 Save the Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905. www.barrettandcotter.com