Willy A. Sander

U.S Marine Corps | U.S. Navy
1943-1987


A child of German immigrants, Willy Sander was a New Yorker his entire life, when he wasn’t away from home in the Marines or Navy. Months before his 17th birthday, he enlisted in the Navy and, during the first months of training, he was told he couldn’t stay because he was too young. But because he was doing so well in basic, the Marines wanted him. He was then sent to Parris Island where the elite trained. After 4 years in the Marines, he transferred to the Navy. During his Naval career, he was a “hard hat” deep sea diver, served many years on the USS Remey, and was also night look-out at Guantanamo Bay in the 1960s with his better-than-perfect vision.

During his almost 44 years of military service, Willy Sander, a Bronze Star recipient, rose to the highest rank in the Navy permitted for an enlisted person at the time, Chief Warrant Officer 4.

Willy moved his family of 6 kids to Staten Island in 1971 when he was working on the Staten Island Ferry. He eventually rose in rank to SI Ferry Boat Captain and Port Captain, as well as having been the Assistant Commissioner of Ferries under Mayor Ed Koch. Willy and Colleen Mooney, a Port Richmond native, spent 43 years enjoying life together on Staten Island, especially boating at the Great Kills Yacht Club.


Sponsored by Colleen Mooney