PERU — Vincent Everett Sunderland, 78, of the River Road, Peru, died Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at CVPH, following a brief illness.
He was born on Canaan Hill, Ellenburg Depot, July 28, 1934, son of Everett and Florence (Baade) Sunderland.
Vincent grew up on the family farm. As a young boy, he admired all the neighbors who served in WWII. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged Oct. 26, 1955. Following his discharge he worked to learn a trade with his father, Everett, a legendary mason. He also served his apprenticeship with Fitzpatrick and Sons, working on the Miner Institute in Chazy, PAFB, the Orange Julep, and many new and old homes. With the help of the GI bill, Vincent went to college and became a teacher, teaching at Altona, N.Y., Hillsdale, N.Y., and Moclips, Wash. Lastly, he was a guidance counselor at Peru Central School for 25 years until his retirement in 1991. He always saw the good in students and enjoyed their enthusiasm.
In 1973, he purchased the historic Nathan Lapham home on the River Road, restoring and remodeling it with the help of the whole family. Vincent was a "can-do" person and an optimist. He enjoyed fixing things and solving problems, always had a project going! He knew his priorities, was honest, kind, generous, humble, and had a good sense of humor. He had a wide variety of interests: geology, family history, photography, psychology, politics, economics, history, and was a life-time bird watcher. He especially enjoyed working with his tractor, and his lilacs.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Walters) Sunderland; his sons, Michael, his wife Annie Han Yi of Manhattan, Kurt, his wife Margaret Edwards of Rome, N.Y.; and grandchildren, Matthew and Annalia of Manhattan; his siblings, Walter of Peru, N.Y., Miner of Troy, N.Y., Doris of Calif., Nancy of Texas, Audrey of Idaho, Lincoln of Peru, N.Y., Philip of Waterford, N.Y., and Robert of Utah; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Herbert; his sister, Elizabeth; and his daughter, Diana.
Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the Hamilton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. Robert E. Svenson, pastor of the Peru Community Church, officiating. Military honors will follow. A gathering will follow at the Peru Community Church Fellowship Center. Burial will be held later in the year, in the Sheldon Hill Cemetery in Ellenburg Depot.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Vincent's memory may be made to the Elmore SPCA, PO Box 686, Peru, NY, 12972.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru.
To light an online candle and offer condolences in the memory of Vincent Sunderland please visit www.hamiltonfuneral home.com 643-9055
