Robert Arnold Sundell, 84, of Jamestown, passed away at the Buffalo Hospice Center on Feb. 15, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 23, 1932, in Jamestown, to the late Arnold and Mary Sundell.
He is a graduate of Jamestown High School, class of 1950, Allegheny College with a Bachelor of Science in biology and Michigan State University with a Master of Science in wildlife biology. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1957- 59.
Bob taught biology and environmental science at the University of Illinois, Chicago, Ill., Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah and West Georgia College, Carrollton, Ga., before returning to complete his formal teaching career at Jamestown Community College.
He was known for his expertise in ornithology and enjoyed answering bird questions and sharing sightings with the many people who called. Being a founding member of Jamestown Audubon Society, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and the Ornithological Club of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, he enthusiastically supported these organizations. He also served for many years as chairman of the Jamestown Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commission and as a member of Chautauqua County Environment Management Council.
Bob had a lifetime interest in music and found enormous fulfillment while singing in the Jamestown Choral Society, Christ First United Methodist Church choir and the Chautauqua Choir.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Patricia; a daughter, Julie Robinson of East Aurora, N.Y.; a son, David Sundell of Lynbrook, N.Y.; five grandchildren: Brittany Waldron (Dustin), Nicholas Robinson (Alexandra), Faith and Abigail Robinson of East Aurora and Ashley Pryor (Matthew) of Louisville, Ky.; a great-granddaughter, Noelle Pryor; and a brother, Dr. Roger Sundell (Karen) of Cedarburg, Wis.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Candace O’Donnell.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert and Patricia Sundell Environmental Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701; or Christ First United Methodist Church, 663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown, or to a charity of one’s choice.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Christ First United Methodist Church in Jamestown. Friends will be received from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in the Lind Funeral Home.Condolences for Bob’s family may be made online at Lind Funeral Home.
Published in The Post-Journal, February 20, 2017
