Richard Edmund Sunderlin

peacefully at his home in Pittsburgh, PA, on September 2, 2024.

Born on October 28, 1937, in Elkland, PA, Dick was the son of the late Durrell A. and Amelia

(Holtzman) Sunderlin. He was a devoted husband of 63-years to Elsa (DiIenno) Sunderlin and a

loving father to Stephen J. Sunderlin of New York, NY; David C. Sunderlin of Pittsburgh, PA;

and Diane M. Sunderlin (Susan McShane) of Pittsburgh, PA. Dick also leaves behind cherished

grandchildren Tiffany M. Moniz (Stephen) of Lancaster, PA, and James O’Connor (Vanessa) of

Baltimore, MD, as well as great-grandchildren Dylan, Josslyn, and Anna.

Preceding him in death were his sons Richard E. Sunderlin II and Thomas A. Sunderlin, and his

sister Ann Redinger.

Dick grew up in Westfield, PA, and graduated from Cowanesque Valley High School in 1955,

where he was a proud member of a state championship basketball team and member of student

council. His commitment to service was evident early on, as he achieved the esteemed rank of

Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

He earned a teaching degree from Mansfield State Teachers College and began his career in

Galeton, PA. For 30+ years, Dick taught Social Studies/Civics in the Williamsport Area School

District, serving at Curtin and Lycoming Valley Middle Schools, as well as Williamsport Area

High School. He also coached JV basketball, leaving a lasting impression on his students with

his caring nature, sense of humor, and memorable open book tests.

Dick was an active community member, dedicating his efforts to ARC of Lycoming County

through organizing the Bike Hike to support his son Richie, who lived with Down syndrome. In

addition, he ran the successful Pleasant Hill Bait Company, providing live bait to fishermen and

sporting goods stores across Central PA and the East Coast. He also took pride in contributing to

the upkeep of his ancestor’s cemetery in Sunderlinville, PA.

He was an avid photographer with a passion for capturing moments from his travels, including

scenes from his retirement community in Largo, FL, and his wife’s family home in Italy.

A man of profound dedication to his family, students, and community, Dick’s legacy of

kindness, service, and enthusiasm will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Saturday, September 14 from 1pm-4pm at

The Residence of Bethel Park, 5851 Keystone Drive, 4th Floor, Bethel Park, PA 15102.

Information for services and burial in Williamsport, PA to follow.

If lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics Pennsylvania

(specialolympicspa.org) or Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org).