Karl R. Sandmann
...retired MBTA Bus Driver; 83
TEWKSBURY - Karl R. Sandmann, age 83, a veteran and retired MBTA employee, died Thursday, July 15, at his Tewksbury home, following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Gladys L. (Alexander) Sandmann, with whom he had celebrated a 36th wedding anniversary this past October 26th.
He was born in Boston, May 19, 1927, a son of the late Karl W. and Clara (McWilliams) Sandmann. He enlisted into the U.S. Navy, and served in the Philippines during WW2. He served on the ABSD-2 USS Shangri-La, and the USS Lexington. He was a recipient of the WWII Victory Medal, the American Area Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal. Upon discharge, he joined the Massachusetts Army National Guard, and served a combined total of 29 years in military service. He was also a graduate of Boston State College.
He retired from the MBTA where he had worked as a bus driver in the Sullivan Square and North Cambridge garages, and was a member of the Boston Carmen's Union, Local 589. He was a member of the Billerica Elks, the Tewksbury American Legion, the N.E. Historical Genealogy Society of Boston, a former member of the Brighton A.F. & A. M. Lodge, and enjoyed golf as a member of the Tewksbury Country Club, Seniors League.
Besides his wife, he is survived by seven children, Kathy Manoukian and her husband John of Tewksbury, Robert Kelley and his wife Mary of Wilmington, James Kelley and his wife Margaret of Billerica, Linda Pace of Windham, NH, Deborah Tringali and her husband Joseph of Hampstead, NH, Kurt Sandmann of Burlington, Nancy Drugg and her husband James of Burlington; sixteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; a brother John Sandmann of FL; a sister, Marjorie DeRosa of Tewksbury; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held Friday, July 23, in the funeral home. Burial with Navy Honors followed at St. Mary Cemetery, No. Tewksbury. Memorials to the Veterans Families United Foundation, PO Box 14355, Okalhoma City, OK 73113 will be appreciated.