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BORN
1946
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
John Schunder Obituary
Northborough - Former D.P.W. Director
John R. Schunder Sr., 69 , passed away Sunday, February 7th, 2016 at Marlborough Hills Healthcare Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's. He leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Katherine (Deftereos) Schunder; his children, John Schunder Jr. of Richmond, VA; Jason Schunder and Danielle Paolini of Newton; Michael and his wife Kerry of Rockland; Bridget Schunder and Marty Barboza of Northborough; 9 grandchildren. Born in Southbridge, he was the son of the late George Schunder and Harriet (Haskins) Schunder. A life long resident of Northborough, John was proud to call Northborough his home. Mr. Schunder graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 1964. He then continued his education, graduating from Nichols College in 1968. John excelled as a football player. As an All-American lacrosse player, John was inducted into the Nichols College Hall of Fame. John started Algonquin Regional High School's boys lacrosse program and became the team's first coach. He worked in the Northborough D.P.W. from 1972 until his retirement in 2006. In 1990, John became the town's first Public Works Director. Mr. Schunder was a veteran of the Army during the Vietnam War era. He had a passion and talent for building stone walls. He also enjoyed doing tree work and spending countless hours in his wood pile. John enjoyed his daily pre-sunrise Dunkin Donuts coffee group. He was former member of the Shrewsbury Racket Club. John had a love of nature and enjoyed feeding deer in his back yard. Mr. Schunder was a generous man with a quick wit and dry sense of humor.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, February 11th, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home 56 Main Street Northborough. To honor John's wishes, memorial donations may be made in John's name to the Northborough Food Pantry, 37 Pierce St. Northborough, MA 01532. To share a memory or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.haysfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Schunder
David Nelson
January 22, 2025
My dad Sheldon nelson always reminds me of Mr shunder hulking strength. I was there when younger when Mr shunder pulled a tree from the ground with Mr Lund and my dad. This was 41 years ago and I still remember like it was yesterday.
Paula & Doug Moore
February 11, 2016
Our sincere sympathy to the Schunder family. Prior to working with John on the 135 Park, I always admired his ability to connect with and assist his crew. More often than not, he was in a hole performing his duties or showing the proper attention to detail. His work ethic was exemplary. Without John's community contacts, the 135 Park would have been a greater and longer task. Our community had a great asset in John and he will be missed. God bless your family.
Dick and Pearl Martino
February 11, 2016
To the Schunders:
Pearl and I are saddened by John's passing. He was a "gentle giant" in the Town he loved so very much. I remember all the bruises I got when I played racquet ball with him...and Rocco and Jack Pierce and Ken Hutchins! Northborough has truly lost one of its treasures. May God bestow His Choicest Blessings upon the Schunder family...not only in in this time of loss...but always.
With Love,
Kendra Owen
February 10, 2016
To the Schunder family - I am very sorry for your loss. I had such admiration and respect for John when working with him on the installation of Assabet Park Playground. He led by example with his hard work, determination and drive. His love, devotion and dedication to his family and to community of Northborough were evident to all. Keep building those beautiful stone walls in Heaven, John! You will be missed.
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February 10, 2016
John Rest in Peace
Anita Hagspiel
February 10, 2016
We are sending our sincere condolences to the Schunder family. I knew John very well - we live on Howard Street with Green street in our back yard. John was instrumental in helping us name a cut thru street "Pepper's Way" after our 14 year old Dog passed away. We always appreciated his care and generosity.
Liz Laclair
February 9, 2016
To the entire Shunder family...I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. May the love and support of your family and friends help you through such a difficult time. My heartfelt sympathies from your Northgate neighbor ,
Liz (Orciuch) LaClair
Frank & Peg Zimmerman
February 9, 2016
RIP John. It was nice to know you! Prayers to your family.
February 9, 2016
Kathy and extended family, John had a good life, with a loving and caring family. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.
Linda Janis
Suzanne Fay
February 9, 2016
My condolences to John's family. I knew him from town.....always so helpful. God bless!
February 9, 2016
Mr. Schunder,
I didn't know you personally, but I want you to know that as a kid I spent many hours sitting on the stones at the edge of what I called "Schunder's field." When things were bothering me, it meant the world to me to just sit there and think as I looked out over that beautiful place. It was and always will be my favorite spot in the world. I still ride by whenever I am in the area and I thank you for keeping it as nature intended, God bless and thank you for your service, as well.
Jan Cooley
February 9, 2016
Jason & Family,
My deepest sympathy. So sorry for your loss.
You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Mary Sikora
February 9, 2016
RIP John .... Heaven just got one of the best ..... build those walls n carve those trees ..... You'll be missed by so many people that you touched with your kindness in your lifetime .....
Mary Sikora
February 9, 2016
RIP John .... Heaven just got one of the best ..... build those walls n carve those trees ..... You'll be missed by so many people that you touched with your kindness in your lifetime .....
Dr.Timothy Hoffman
February 9, 2016
Thank you for serving our country. May your family find comfort in their faith and may you Rest in Peace.
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