Gary Thomas Sunderland

Gary Thomas Sunderland, age 76 of Mechanicsburg, died on Friday, January 24, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born in Harrisburg on September 22, 1948 to the late Luther and Mildred Sunderland. He is predeceased by his grandson, Holden & his nephew, Stephen. 

Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years and childhood sweetheart Virginia. In addition, Gary is survived by his children: Kimberly Sheaffer & her husband, Jeff; Jeff Thomas & his wife, Julie; Sonya Shanahan & her husband, John; Jason Sunderland, and Maggie Kapp & her partner, Rob. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Jarrah & her husband, Brian Ely; Mallissa & her husband, Brad Cooper; Kenzi; Miles; Sakura; Kieran; Wesley; Jack; and Eve; and his seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Gail Fannasy and her husband, Bill; Robert Count; and his nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Gary served in Company B of the Marine Support Battalion in combat time during the Vietnam War. He was attached to the Naval Security Group Activity at RAF in Edzel, Scotland. On his return to civilian life Gary worked in a variety of occupations. Gary had an innate sense of kindness, which was reflected in the time when he & Virginia worked as missionaries in Haiti. They escaped from Haiti at the start of the civil war. He worked in St. Thomas as a property manager before returning to the United States. He spent 30 years as property manager at The Mechanicsburg Club prior to his retirement. In truth, Gary never retired as he was always first to lend a helping hand. He had an amazing capacity to repair mechanical problems, and in his spare time, he liked to tinker with trucks and cars. Gary was an avid collector of things, particularly clocks and watches. He had a collection that had to be seen to be believed. He had a talent for repairing and restoring items to their original condition. 

He loved meeting new people and visiting new places. He always had a story to tell. Gary was happiest surrounded by family & friends at the social events regularly hosted by he & Virginia at the “The Funny Farm”. These gatherings invariably ended by the fire. He had a special way with kids and a natural gift for playing pretend, making up voices and pulling magic tricks out of thin air. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren will forever cherish the precious time spent with Pappy at the Farm. His contagious laugh, wicked sense of humor and amusing little sayings will remain with us all forever. 

All are welcome to join Gary’s family at a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until time of remembrance at 4:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Gary’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at The Mechanicsburg Club, 333 Heinz Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, immediately following the service. Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Gary’s life can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

Gary’s family has entrusted their care to Buhrig Funeral & Cremation in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Gary’s full obituary, view his photograph, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.