C. Larry Sunderland

   Larry Sunderland, 87, of McVeytown, entered into eternal life on Thursday, February 13 at home. Born on June 9, 1937, in McVeytown, Larry was the oldest son of the late CO and Bertha (Renninger) Sunderland.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Ray, a sister Sandra “Sis” Amtower, and a granddaughter Layla Sunderland. 

   Larry is survived by his life partner Deb Himes.  He and Deb shared over 40 wonderful years together traveling to all parts of the country and enjoying time spent together. In the later years, they were a part of the breakfast crew at the Kountry Kitchen. Deb was devoted to Larry and allowed him to enjoy himself until his final days on this earth.  He is survived by his children Deborah (John) Schrock of Camp Hill and Gary (Jacki) Sunderland of New Castle.  He was known as “Pap Larry” to his grandchildren Curtis (Darlis) Sunderland, Nick (Crystal) Sunderland, Lindsay (Neal) Sollers, Matthew, Erika, and Andrew Schrock. He adored his great grandchildren, Brady, Crosby, Emryn, Gage, Hayzlee, Lauryn, Maddyx, Nylah, Swayze, Syvannah, Townsyn; and one great-great grandchild Eloise. He is also survived by his siblings James Sunderland, Diane Rodgers, and Edward (Kathy) Sunderland, all of McVeytown.

   Throughout the years, Larry enjoyed the simple life of living in a small town surrounded by family, friends, hunting, and baseball. He graduated from Rothrock High School and lived in McVeytown his entire life. Following graduation, he worked at the American Visco Corporation.  Later he was a self-employed painter who was very well-known in the area for being a skilled, meticulous painter. There was no paint job he couldn’t conquer. He was an avid hunter and was always in the woods early in the morning to start his day. He was an expert at calling/shooting turkeys and shot 132 turkeys and achieved the “grand slam” of turkey hunting two times (killing all four American species of turkeys). Most evenings, he would take a trip around “the Valley” to see if he saw any wildlife in the fields

   Larry was involved with baseball most of his life.  He played on the first organized Babe Ruth team in McVeytown and continued to play/coach the McVeytown Twilight team until it dissolved.  If he wasn’t playing or coaching baseball, he was following the Boston Red Sox – a devoted fan since he was five years old. Also, he was a fan of his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s’ sporting events. For many years you would see him with a video camera at sporting events and then make them a DVD of all of their games.

   Larry was a member of National Wild Turkey Federation and Atkinson Mills Sportsman Club. 

   A viewing will take place on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 6 – 8 pm at Harshbarger Funeral home, 3 South Market St. McVeytown.

   The funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Harshbarger Funeral Home with Pastor R. Jeffrey Fisher officiating.  Private Interment will follow at Mattawana Cemetery, McVeytown.

   In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Larry’s honor to either McVeytown Babe Ruth, c/o Dennis Yetter, 33 Chestnut Ridge Rd., McVeytown, PA  17051; or to UPMC Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona, PA  16601.

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