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