Rochester Violence Prevention Leader Victor Saunders Dies at 58

Victor Saunders, a dedicated violence prevention leader in Rochester, has died at age 58, leaving a profound legacy in the city’s efforts to combat youth violence and gang involvement. Serving as Mayor Malik Evans' advisor on violence prevention, Saunders was instrumental in launching and expanding key programs like Pathways to Peace and the Rochester Peace Collective, which provide nonviolent alternatives and healing support to the community. Known affectionately as “Big Vic,” Saunders combined street-level experience with leadership, bridging the gap between city officials and at-risk youth to foster trust and intervention. His work emphasized the power of relationships and community engagement, often quoting, “Nothing stops a bullet like a job,” to inspire change. Mayor Evans and colleagues remember Saunders as a committed public servant whose life and work profoundly impacted Rochester’s approach to violence prevention and community uplift. Saunders’ influence on grassroots initiatives and citywide programs is expected to resonate for decades.