Edgar William "Sonny" Lunderville

Edgar "Sonny" Lunderville

Claremont, NH - Edgar "Sonny" William Lunderville died on November 15, 2025 at his home in Claremont after a long and valiant fight with ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Sonny was born on August 11, 1946 in Claremont, NH to Lester William Lunderville and Irene "Nettie" (Temple) Lunderville. He spent his early youth in Cornish and then became a lifelong resident of Claremont.

He was a member of the class of 1964, Stevens High School, and enjoyed his many years of attending their reunions, working on the class floats, and hosting barbecues for their celebrations.

After graduation, he joined the United States Army. He was a proud Airborne Ranger, serving with the Big Red One Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Distinguished Silver Star for his gallantry in action and the Purple Heart.

In 1969, Sonny furthered his service to his community by joining the Claremont Police Department as a Patrolman, and was a graduate of the 8th class from the New Hampshire Police Training Academy. During his years of service, Sonny was known for his physical fitness, marksmanship, and quiet leadership. He served as the department's Range Master, a leader of the SWAT team, Firearms and Self-Defense Instructor, and a member of the Color Guard, proudly marching in many parades. For several years, he performed the duties as Prosecutor for the department. Working his way through the ranks, he was awarded many service commendations. His career culminated in a promotion to Deputy Chief of Police in 1989. He retired in 1992 after 23 years of dedicated and honorable service to his community.

Following his retirement, he kept busy learning new skills while employed by Log Cabin Nursery/Stevens Forestry and Claremont Lock and Key. He loved putting his landscape knowledge to use and kept a beautifully manicured yard filled with lovely gardens at his family's home. He however, missed his police family, and in 1999 went back to work for the Claremont Police Department as the Park Ranger/Parking Enforcement Officer. He was loving known as "Uncle Sonny" by the members of the force and also garnered the titles of "Downtown Ambassador" and "Parking Stud." He fully retired after a fifty year association with his police family in November of 2018.

In 1975, he met the love of his life, Viola Sawyer. They married on June 26, 1976, with a Hawaiian themed wedding that is still remembered fondly by many, as quite an event. He looked mighty sharp in his replicated Elvis white jumpsuit complete with rhinestones accompanied by the leis shipped in from Hawaii, that Sonny and Vi wore during their ceremony.

Sonny's most cherished job was caring for and loving his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and most recently great grandfather. He played for hours with his children, even with dolls. Their family enjoyed trips to attractions in the White Mountains, Hampton Beach, Disney World, and many other family vacations over the years. Fun-filled camping trips packed their summers. Sonny and his son, Cory, enjoyed time bonding as father-son members of the local YMCA Indian Guides. He also coached his son's youth baseball and basketball teams for several years, and a strong supporter of his daughter, Tracey's 4-H projects and dance endeavors.

He was a lifetime member of the NH Retired Police Officer's Association, a lifetime member and past president of the former Sullivan County Law Enforcement Officer's Association, a lifetime member and Past Master of the Masonic Hiram Lodge No. 9, and a forty-three year member of Moose Lodge.

Sonny and Vi loved to dance and won many dancing contests. They also were well know for summer poolside barbecues and holiday parties, where they relished in entertaining family and friends. Sonny was an avid Elvis fan and entertained many with his Elvis impersonations. They traveled to Graceland twice, staying in the Heartbreak Hotel. He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and assembled an impressive collection over the years, a hobby he started with his son in the early 80's. Sonny was proficient in the Martial Arts, a passion that began during his Army years. He was awarded a 4th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate from the International Kenpo Karate Academy and in Jukado from the Twin State Jukado Association. For many years, he was Sensei of his own Dojo, teaching both adults and children in the arts.

He is survived by his wife Viola; a daughter, Tracey and "son"-in-law, Todd Rivard; a son, Cory and "daughter"-in-law, Kelly Lunderville. His grandchildren: granddaughter, Brittany and "grandson"-in-law Justin Starrett; grandson, Brady Lunderville; granddaughter, Brooke Lunderville; grandson, Bryce Lunderville; and great-granddaughter, Maeve Starrett.

The Stringer Funeral Home is charge of the arrangements. The calling hours will be on Friday, 21st from 4-7 pm at Stringers. The funeral will be held at 11am on Saturday, 22nd at the Grace River Church, with Pastor Kyle Allen, Police Chaplain, officiating. Burial to be held immediately following at the West Claremont Burying Ground (Union).

For those wishing to make a memorial contribution. They can made to either The Claremont Police Association, 1 Police Court, Claremont, NH 03743 or The Disabled American Veterans National Service Center, VA Medical Center, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, Vermont 05009.