Joseph "Joey"  Donald Saunders, Sr. passed away unexpectedly Monday April 20, 2020 at the age of 39. He was born February 5, 1981 in Toledo to Joseph and Darlene (Chapman) Saunders and attended Waite High School.

Joey was a general manager at the Original Gino's Pizza on Monroe St. (Colony). He was known as the pizza master, very very good at what he did, he could run the store with eyes closed, literally!

He loved Christmas being his favorite holiday and was a huge sports fan. Joey enjoyed NASCAR and the late Dale Earnhardt, he also was a fan of the New York Yankees, the Dallas Cowboys, the University of Michigan Wolverines and the Los Angeles Lakers especially the late Kobe Bryant. He also loved fishing with a passion. Most of all he loved his family, whom he cherished.

Joey is preceded in death by his grandmas Rosemary Chapman and Alice Beavers and is survived by his sons Joseph Jr., Justin and Jayden Saunders; daughter Jazyln Saunders; mother Darlene Saunders; father Joseph Saunders; sister Brandi (Andrew Gibbs) Saunders; brother JB Saunders; grandpa Jerry Chapman; nieces Kyrianna and Savanna; as well numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was in recovery, battling both addiction and depression for years. Joey was a great guy when he was himself, very loving & caring. He was our protector. The darkness started to consume him & in the end got the best of him. Joey now will forever live in our hearts!

Family will have a limited visitation (visitors will be limited to 10 individuals at a time, all visitors are required to wear masks) at Castillo Funeral Home 1757 Tremainsville Rd. on Monday from 1 -5 PM.  Memorial tributes may be made to the family via this website to help offset expenses.