1934-2025
Ira Ward Sunderland, 91, of Punxsutawney, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Hamot Medical Center in Erie, surrounded by the family he treasured.
Born at home in Juneau, Indiana County, on August 15, 1934, Ira was the son of the late Clayton and Marietta (Wolfgang) Sunderland. In May of 1997, he married his loving companion and best friend, Connie Ann Burkett, and together they shared twenty-eight years of devotion, partnership, and steady support for one another.
A man of faith, Ira attended the First Church of God, where he found both comfort and community.
Ira proudly served his country during the Korean War, carrying his love of country with humility and steadfast pride. His service reflected his deep sense of responsibility, courage, and belief in protecting the freedoms he held dear.
He spent much of his professional life as the Executive Director of Risk Management for the Dick Corporation in Pittsburgh. Following retirement, he continued serving the community he loved as a Jefferson County Commissioner from 1996 to 2004. Together, he and Connie also cared for many individuals through Sunderland’s Personal Care Home in Cherry Tree and Roseville—an extension of their shared commitment to others.
Ira believed deeply in giving back. He was a Lifetime Member and former commander of VFW Post 2076, a 32nd-degree Mason with John W. Jenks-Hobah Lodge #276, a member of the Shriners, and a former President of the Punxsutawney Republican Club. He especially enjoyed supporting local traditions such as the Festival in the Park and Music in the Park, where he loved meeting neighbors, friends, and new faces year after year. The Punxsutawney community held a special place in his heart.
Above all, Ira was a family man. In addition to his beloved wife Connie, he is survived by his six children: Esther (Frank) Haynes of Manassas, VA; Lisa (Tim Rush) Volpe of Oakmont; Russ (Chrissy) Burkett of Punxsutawney; Greg (Frannie) Sunderland of Mars, PA; Sherry Sunderland of Washington, PA; and Erica (Scott) Stewart of Buffalo, NY. He is also survived by ten grandchildren—Danielle, Robert, Sofia, Gina, Tyler, Josh, Gina, Freya, Hannah, and Isabell—and five great-grandchildren: Sylis, Liam, Olivia, Charlotte, and Greg. He leaves behind his brother Ron (Marla) Sunderland of Falls Creek; nephews Clay Michael Sunderland and Shawn Baun; and extended family Art McAdoo and Bob and Linda Meckley. Also missing him is his loyal companion, Trump, his cherished four-legged friend who rarely left his side.
Friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the First Church of God, 23 Skyview Drive, Punxsutawney. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Rob Van Fossen. Military honors will be presented by the Jefferson County Veterans Honor Guard. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery in Rochester Mills will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Church of God’s parking lot fund – a project he had hoped to see completed.
Continuing his lifelong spirit of generosity, Ira was a tissue donor for burn victims at Shriner’s Hospital.
