Obituary of George B. Sunter

George B. Sunter, 90, died peacefully in the early morning hours of March 14, 2023. He was born and raised in Brechin, Scotland, the son of the late Albert and Lily (Thomson) Sunter. He lived the past three years at Preswick Glen, New Hartford where he enjoyed the company of many friends as well as his cherished grandson Gary Holeck, Executive Director of Preswick Glen. George lived the previous 55 years on East Carter Road, Westmoreland, with his wife of 61 years, Muriel (Robb) Sunter who preceded him in death in 2017. George and Muriel immigrated from Scotland to the United States as newlyweds and together they raised three daughters. George will be remembered for his dependability, his commitment to his family, and his steadfastness, as well as his quiet sense of humor and the twinkle in his eye. His steadfastness and commitment to his family were evident recently as it seemed George waited for his eldest daughter Eileen (known fondly to him as Beanie) to arrive from Malone, NY for a visit just one day before his passing.

Before George’s retirement in 1987, he worked at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, NY for 30 years. He loved all types of sports and was an avid NY Giants fan (without ever losing his love for football - soccer - as he first knew it in Scotland). He had a smile for everyone and loved to listen to others’ stories. He had a love of cars and could name the year, make, and model of just about any car he saw. George had many well-loved family traditions and always enjoyed time spent sharing meals with members of his family, especially his weekly Sunday home-cooked dinners with daughter Christine and son-in-law Jon and Friday fish fries at Knuckleheads with daughter Janet. In recent years, two of his favorite things to do were sharing breakfast and attending happy hours with his friends at Preswick Glen. George especially loved birthdays and was always responsible for starting off the happy birthday song at family parties, including at his own 90th birthday party in December, surrounded by his family from near and far.

Surviving George are his three devoted daughters Eileen (Gerald) Tudman, Malone, NY, Janet (Andrew) Clarey, Clinton, NY and Christine (Jon) Link, also of Clinton, NY. In his final years, George’s son-in-law Jon, a nurse by trade, tended to George’s health with compassion and care. Also surviving George are his grandchildren Stephanie (Greg) Gaudin of Malone, NY, Stacey (Thomas) Stann of Mastic Beach, NY, Aaron Holeck of Carlsbad, New Mexico, Gary (Mary) Holeck of Clinton, NY, Samuel Clarey and partner Eliza Bell, Boston, MA, Rachel Clarey, also of Boston, MA and Drew Clarey, of Clinton, NY; as well as his adored great-grandchildren Bennett and Connor Gaudin of Malone, NY and Eleanor Muriel Holeck of Clinton, NY. George is also survived by his in-laws Kathleen (Robin) Ritchie and Michael (Rosie) Robb, both of Brechin, Scotland; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family in the US and Scotland. He was preceded in death by his wife Muriel (Robb) Sunter; his siblings and their spouses Margaret (James) Duffus, Albert (Mary) Sunter, Elizabeth (James) Valentine, and Catherine Carlone as well as several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

George’s entire family gives loving thanks and gratitude to the residents and entire staff of Preswick Glen for making his final years so enjoyable. A memorial bench will be placed outside the building, near George’s favorite space.

Friends and family are encouraged to enjoy a “wee nip” of Scotch whiskey in his memory, which he attributed to his longevity. Private graveside services will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Westmoreland. There are no calling hours. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Clinton.