William R. ‘Bill’ Sunderlin III, a special brother, uncle, great-uncle and friend to many

OLEAN — William “Bill” Sunderlin III, a lifelong resident of Olean, passed away at Olean General Hospital on Saturday, May 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after a four-year courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born at Olean General Hospital on July 20, 1956, the son of the late William R. and Pauline P. Montaro Sunderlin Jr.

He was a 1974 graduate of Olean High School, going on to attend Jamestown Community College and Alfred State College, where he graduated with an associate’s degree.

Very early on in his career, Bill worked for Endicott-Johnson Shoe Company, as well as Kinney Shoes. He also worked for Reed’s Jewelers, which was located on North Union Street, now closed. Bill’s love for photography prompted him to start his own business, Sun Photography, which provided wedding and other professional services to the Olean and surrounding areas for many years. He then went on to work for over 30 years, until his retirement, for McCullagh Coffee as a representative in southwest New York and northwest Pennsylvania.

Bill was a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Olean for many years, eventually serving as an usher. He held memberships with the St. Stephens Club, the Pulaski Club, the Olean Rod and Gun Club and was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus in the 4th degree. In the late 70s, Bill was also involved for a few years in the local Miss New York State Pageant.

He loved to sit on his front porch, work on cars and pay visits to Ried’s Food Barn, now called the Olean Food Barn. He also liked staying up to date with his family, friends and neighbors.

Bill is survived by his brother, Francis (Stephanie) Sunderlin of Geneva; a sister, Marlene (Denny) Wetherby of Olean; nieces, Tammy Sunderlin of Cicero and Eliza Leigh Wetherby of Olean; nephews, Christopher (Alessandra) Sunderlin of Farmington and Will Allan Wetherby of Olean; great-nephews, Cole, Marc and Paul Sunderlin of Farmington; his cat, Nikki; and close friends, David and Dawn Schwartz, Muriel Blade and others.

Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. today (June 11, 2025) at the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday (June 12, 2025) at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean. Burial will follow at the St. Bonaventure Cemetery.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Cattaraugus County SPCA 2944 Route 16N, Olean, NY 14760; or the Interfaith Medical Loan Center, 315 W. State St., Olean, NY 14760.

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com.