Jonathan Sund
Northfield, MA - Jonathan Paul Sund, 45, of Northfield, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 13th at his parents' home in Greenfield after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He was just weeks shy of his 46th birthday.
Known to most as Jon, he was born on August 24, 1979, at Hahn Air Force Base in Germany. After spending a short time overseas, his family moved to New Mexico and soon settled in Greenfield, where Jon spent the majority of his life.
A 1998 graduate of Franklin County Technical School, Jon studied carpentry, a trade he would later put to good use in his self-employed work as a handyman. Throughout his life, Jon held a number of jobs in the local community, including working at McDonald's and Friendly's on the Mohawk Trail, Bickford's Restaurant, and delivering The Recorder for many years. In everything he did, Jon was known for being reliable and hardworking.
In high school, Jon was active in sports, playing basketball, participating in track, and spending a year on the football team. He enjoyed the outdoors and was always ready to lend a hand with yardwork or help friends and family with projects. If someone needed support, Jon showed up-quietly, without fanfare, and without asking for anything in return. He was agreeable and gentle by nature, never one to seek attention, but always there when it mattered most.
Jon had a sweet and sincere sense of humor. He liked to goof around and make people laugh, often slipping in playful jokes or teasing those he was closest to. His lightheartedness and easy smile brought warmth to those who knew him.
He also loved movies, and he had a special talent for baking-his chocolate chip cookies were legendary at family gatherings and potlucks. Bowling was a lifelong passion he shared with his family, and he bowled in leagues over the years at the French King Bowling Alley, as well as in Northampton and Brattleboro.
In 2020, Jon moved to Northfield to live with his younger brother, Peter Sund. He is survived by his parents, Barbara (LaPlante) and Verne Sund of Greenfield; his brother, Peter Sund of Northfield; and his sister, Ruthie McDonald, and her husband, Tom McDonald, also of Greenfield. He also leaves behind his niece and nephew, Gloria and Leo McDonald, whom he loved deeply.
Jon is also remembered fondly by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who held him dear.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 20th at 2:00 p.m. at Living Waters Assembly of God, 450 Davis Street in Greenfield, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jon's life.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care for their compassion and support during Jon's final days.
Flowers are welcome, but for those who wish to make a memorial contribution, donations may be made in Jon's memory to The Family Reach Foundation (
www.familyreach.org), a nonprofit that provides financial support to cancer patients and their families, especially those facing economic hardship, or to an animal shelter of your choice.
Jon's quiet strength, generous spirit, gentle nature, and playful sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave., Northfield, Mass is assisting the family with arrangements.
Published by The Recorder on Jul. 16, 2025.