Henry Gunders

1924 - 2025

Henry Gunders
1924 - 2025
Henry Gunders of Greenwich, CT died peacefully on September 26, 2025 at the age of 101. Henry often told those he loved that they'd already received his most important legacy; his convictions, active empathy and the guideposts of character he used to walk through good and challenging times in life.
And what a rich, full and unpredictable life it was. He would say his success was founded on principles that he called home-made wisdom; Trust people. Develop the habit of giving early. And most importantly, question what you believe, and why. In doing so, he left those he loved the ability to map their own paths in life as well as irreplaceable memories.
Henry was born in Munich, Germany to Paul Leo Gundersheimer and Rosl Chaikowsky Gundersheimer. He was an only child, his mother having died before his second birthday. His loyalty to his tight knit family was one of the foundation stones of his life. He and his family left Germany in late 1938, fleeing the brutality of Hitler's regime against the Jews. After landing in New York, he taught himself enough English in two months to be admitted to Roxbury High School, graduating before his 16th birthday.
His subsequent apprenticeship as a tool-and-die maker gave him a useful skill as well as a lifelong respect for working people. He is likely among a handful of men who fled Nazi oppression only to return to fight Hitler when the U.S. declared war in 1941. He enlisted in the newly created Ski Troops, training for mountain warfare at Camp Hale, Colorado, claiming that if it was anybody's war, it was his.
After the war, he returned to work and graduated from Boston University. He began his career at legacy Price Waterhouse in 1951, interviewing for a job that didn't yet exist but persuading the head of the MAS practice to create a position for him. It was a fortuitous partnership for both, with Henry eventually serving as Senior Partner in charge of consulting. Later, Price Waterhouse tapped him for the national firm where he served his partners as a member of the Policy Board for 13 years and Co-Chairman of the U.S. firm.
He was a member of Boards of Trustees and Boards of Overseers of several graduate schools, including: Duke University – Fuqua School, Columbia University – Uris School and University of Connecticut – Storrs
After retirement from the U.S. firm in 1984, Henry became a consultant to the Senior Partner of the World Firm for four years.
On the home front, he oversaw the rebuilding of Temple Sholom, overcoming resistance to his plan to build it without a mortgage. He remained a leader and active part of that congregation for over 50 years.
Henry was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 66 years; Elaine Schantz Gunders who he met when he was 16. She was the mother of his three children and steadfast partner in life.
Henry lived a life rich in love for people, wisdom, warmth and humor. He loved skiing the most daunting slopes, gardening, singing at the top of his lungs, practical jokes, serious discussions and most of all, his family.
He is survived by: Karen Tonningsen Gunders, his wife and the reason for his extraordinary will to keep living; his children, David Gunders (Lisa) and Joan McCallum (Alec); his grandchildren, Alexa McCallum, Sarah Goujean, Rachel Gunders and a great granddaughter, Elsa McCallum Robinson. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Gunders Knight.
Funeral services were held at Temple Sholom, Greenwich, CT on September 30th.