Westborough – Richard M. Sundstrom, 68, of Westborough and So. Dennis, died at his home Monday, Nov. 18, 2013 of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), surrounded by family and friends.
Richard is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula (Rosberry) Sundstrom, and his two children, Mark A. Sundstrom of New York City and Erika A. Fields and her husband John of Scottdale, Georgia. “Papa” is also survived by his two grandsons, Zachary and Thomas Fields. He also leaves behind his mother, H. Elizabeth (Jastremska) Sundstrom of Worcester; a brother, Paul Sundstrom; and a sister, Susan T. Paciello, both of Worcester. He is predeceased by his father, John A. Sundstrom.
He had just completed 42 years of employment with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He was employed by the Department of Public Welfare, the Massachusetts General Court, and the Department of Environmental Management, and for the last 25 years as Facility Director of the Massachusetts State Archives and Commonwealth Museum.
Richard was educated in Worcester, graduating from North High School having just celebrated his 50th anniversary. He attended Worcester State College and graduated from Clark University.
He always had a spot in his heart for the city of Worcester, serving as a Political Consultant in number of campaigns, the most notable, being the successful Civic Center Referendum that has forever changed the face of downtown Worcester.
Residing in Westborough since 1971, he was committed to public service and community involvement. An elected member of the Westborough Planning Board, he also served as chairman of the Master Plan Advisory Committee. He was currently a member of the Westborough Country Club Operating Committee.
An avid reader and gardener, his hobbies included golf and fishing, both here and on Cape Cod. A member of “Arnolds Army,” his saddest day was giving up his clubs and canoe. He was a Communicant at St. Luke's Church.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 23, at 12 p.m., in St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main St., Westborough. Burial will follow in St. Luke's Cemetery. Calling hours at the Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home, 62 West Main St., Westborough, are Friday, Nov. 22, from 4 – 7 p.m.
Richard would like to thank his many family and friends who assisted him during this illness, including Dexter, Tom, John, Jim, Denny, and his brother Paul, as well as VNA Hospice, the MGH Multidisciplinary Clinic, and Compassionate Care ALS, but most of all, Paula, the love of his life, and Erika and Mark for never leaving his side.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574 or at www.ccals.org.
