"Nancy, I only learned of Bruce's passing today. I have many fond memories of Bruce from our days at Stonehill. I also met your daughter many years ago when I coached track. This is way too soon, your family will now be in our prayers."
In loving memory of
Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S.
September 9, 1948 - July 8, 2015
Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S., 66, of Portsmouth died surrounded by his family on Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Newport Hospital.He was the husband of Nancy A. (Simonds) Sunderland.Born on September 9, 1948 in New Bedford, Ma, he was the son of Mary C. Sunderland-Souza of North Dartmouth, Ma. and the late Norman C. Sunderland. Besides his wife of 43 years, he is survived by his children Audra S. Couture and her husband Mathieu of Exeter, RI, Jessica S. Manning and her husband Clive of Tiverton, RI and his son Christian M. Sunderland and his wife Jennifer of Portsmouth, RI. Also his sister Linda Bourgault and her husband Thomas of Plymouth, MA. Poppy was blessed with six grandchildren Abigail, Olivia and Isabelle Manning, Violet Sunderland and Lily Cassese and Beckett Couture. He was a loving uncle to several dear nieces and nephews. He thoroughly loved being with his family and especially his grandchildren dancing at Camp Sunderland and sitting around the fire pit enjoying his dear friends and a few rounds of golf.Bruce attended Stonehill College where he met his lovely wife Nancy. They then traveled to DC for Bruce to attend Georgetown Dental School. After a few years in Maine where he was in the US Air Force, he and Nancy moved to Portsmouth, RI. He set up practice in Newport and was there for 39 years where he cared for his loyal patients. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2015, from 4-7pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.His funeral will be held on Monday, July 13, 2015, at 10am in St. Anthony's Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI.Burial will be private.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Bruce N. Sunderland to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, c/o Hillary Repucci 10 Brookline Pl. West 6th Floor Brookline, MA 02445 www.dana-farber.org Visitation JUL 12. 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM Connors Funeral Home 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.connorsfuneralhome.com Service JUL 13. 10:00 AM St. Anthonys Church 2836 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI, US, 02871
Tributes
"To the family of Dr. Sunderland,I only found out today of Dr. Sunderland's passing, and I am so very saddened by the news. I was his patient years ago when I lived in Newport. After I moved back to Newport, I immediately looked him up hoping he was still in practice because he was such a wonderful person and doctor. I remember his kindness and compassion, and most of all his laugh and the way his wonderful personality just filled the room with warmth. The office was so quiet today without him. I am so very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time.Carolyn Pendleton"
"Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to hear about Bruce. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please call on me if you need anything. Fondly, Sandy and Jerry Stevens"
"There will never, ever be another like him. A true family man and lived by so many. Best personality ever. I miss him! God bless him and his family forever. Donna Lewis Nannini"
"To the family of Dr. Sunderland,It saddens me greatly that such a great man has passed. Dr. Sunderland was my dentist since I was a child and felt he was also a friend. His humor and easy going manner made his appointments a pleasure. I will always be grateful for his compassionate care and dedication to 4 generations of my family.My heart is with you in this time,Meredith (Myers) LeBlanc"
"I was overwhelmed with sadness when I heard about the passing of my old friend Bruce. My condolences to his wife Nancy and family, his sister Linda and his mom Mrs. Mae Sunderland. Bruce and I go way back to when we were Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. We graduated from New Bedford High School together. We were members of the CYO at Saint Johns. We played on the CYO baseball team together. I was on deck when Bruce took a pitch to the head and broke his cheek bone. We were friends for many years. I was in his wedding. Bruce rented a truck to move his stuff to Washington DC when he was at Georgetown Dental School. I made the trip with him. He gave me a whirlwind tour of DC on his motor scooter. We had lots of fun together in the summers during our college years. We did many things together. Bruce was a great friend. I will always remember him.David Mello 7/16/2015"
"To the family of Dr. Sunderland,We want to send our condolences & prayers to the family, friends and coworkers of Dr. Sunderland. He has been our family dentist for many many years and he will be missed. We will always remember his wonderful smile & awesome attitude. God Bless you all,Leslie"
"I am shocked and very much saddened to read of Bruce's passing. We initially knew each other as classmates at New Bedford High School. It was such a great surprise when he became my dentist after he took over the dental practice of my previous dentist back in the 1970s. We had a great time catching up on our time since high school and talking about our other high school classmates. He always had a great sense of humor and we shared many stories every time that I had a dental appointment. Unfortunately, I had to switch dentists when I moved to Dartmouth, MA . However, several months ago we happened to be seating in adjacent tables at a restaurant in New Bedford. I was so happy to see him and introduce him to my family. I was also pleased to meet his wife Nancy for the first time. Bruce was not only a wonderful dentist, but a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and dental staff.Bill GirouardDartmouth, MA"
"To the Sunderland Family,I've been a patient since the beginning of his practice. A friendly man that put you at ease and had no trouble earning your trust and respect. I know God welcomed him into his Heavenly Home with open arms. May God give you all courage and comfort.Peace,Penny Fitch, Newport"
"Di Carlson lit a candle in memory of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S."
"Nancy, May and Linda and the whole Sunderland family. Our very sincere condolences on Bruce's untimely passing. Our hearts go out to all of you. We know, first hand, how deep and permanent the loss of a son is and we send our love to May and all.We are truly sorry for your grief and profound loss.We enjoyed some very pleasant times in Sarasota with you all and we will keep his memory close.All our Love,Elsie and Tony SouzaSarasota, Florida"
"Bruce, Our hearts are broken . We will always remember your terrific wit along with your kindness and understanding. You were more than our dentist, you were someone that we had enormous respect for and considered a friend. You can never be replaced and will always remain dear to us in spirit. May your live in eternal peace as you so deserve. With so much sorrow we say goodbye. Love and Peace to your family, Richard and Maureen Laurie"
"I knew him for 30 years. A very compassionate man. Good Doctor, Good friend .He truly will be missed. One of a kind. God has a special Angel Brenda R. Jones & Family"
"Nadene Baker lit a candle in memory of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S."
"My condolences to the family. I will remember Dr. Sunderland with appreciation for his professional skill and warm personality. Steve Haire"
"Dear Nancy and family, We were devastated to hear of Bruce's passing. I just had an appointment a few week ago with him. He was a wonderful dentist and a good man. We will miss him dearly. May time and good memories ease your pain. Sincerely, Alice Sabulis and family"
"I am so sad to hear of Dr sunderland's passing. He was always so happy and pleasant during my many appointments with him. My deepest sympathy to his family, friends and staff. Sincerely, Wendy Lamont-Woolbright"
"Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to read about Dr. Sunderland's passing. Back in 1984 Dr. Sunderland gave me the opportunity to start a career in Dental Assisting. I am still in the same wonderful field, but working as his assistant was by far the greatest job I have ever had. I believe sometime after I had moved to Ct., I wrote him a letter and told him just that. I will keep you and your family in my prayers at this time of sorrow.Love, Mary Lynch Dobb"
"Elsie and Tony Souza, Sarasota, Florida purchased the Garden To Go Basket for the family of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S.."
"Carol S. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S.."
"I've been a patient of Dr. Sunderland for 30 years and am absolutely devastated to hear of his passing. He was such a lovely, kind, wonderful man. My dental issues were always a challenge. More often than not, he would say "hmmmmm", and I knew, it wasn't good! No matter what, I was sure Bruce would do his very best to solve the problem and he always did. He was the best!!!!! I last saw him in June and said to him, as I always did, "what will I do when you retire?" I'm so sorry he didn't get to enjoy that.My deepest sympathy to his loving family, staff and friends. We will all miss him terribly!Linda Morris"
"I AM JUST SO SAD."
"I was a patient of Dr Sunderland for the past 34 years! He was the Best dentist in Newport. I remember going to see him and he would tease me about being related to my mother, Gail Piermont, a patient too. He also made house calls and was caring and made you feel comfortable. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers! May he Rest in Peace!"
"Treasured Lilies Spray was purchased for the family of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S.."
"I was so saddened to hear of his passing.....God must have needed another angel. He had so patience with me I was a HORROR to go to the dentist. We had so many laughs,and made me comfortable. I remember one visit,of many years of going to him,I had to have a tooth pulled. He pulled his chair side of me,I put my hand on his knee and said if you hurt me I am going to put my nails into your knee. He was laughing,and said how would I explain that to my wife. I told him that I would take care of calling. He was such an INCREDIBLE dentist,and a wonderful man. He will be sadly missed by a lot of people. My sincere sympathy goes out to his family and friends. Joyce Bryer Gauthier & family"
"I am shocked and saddened to learn of Dr.Sundeland's passing. My dentist since the 70's. My late husband Mick's golf buddy and dentist in recent years, Such a gentle, gracious generous man who did so much to help Mick through his dental issues resulting from his cancer radiation treatments. They are together again sharing a round of golf, a beer, and many laughs. Sending prayers to the Sunderland family during this sad time."
"Lily and Rose Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S.."
"Dr. Sunderland was our dentist for many years and we adored him. We are extremely saddened at his passing. We will always remember his wonderful sense of humor and his kindnesses. We will be praying for his family.Michael & Linda Burns, Middletown"
"I am so deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Sunderland's passing. He was extremely kind to me and my family. I am saying prayers for the family and his wonderful staff. RIP Dr. Sunderland. Rest easy."
"Nancy, You and your family are in my prayers. Althgough it has been a long time since our Stonehill days, I will always think of Bruce with a smile on his face, and a laugh in his heart. He had a gift of making others feel comfortable with his gentle kindness,genuine sincerity and unforgettable humor (do your children know about the olive trick?). Most of all I remember Bruce being madly in love with you. He will always be in your heart. With sympathy and much fondness for you both, Ann McIntyre Murphy"
"My heart goes out to Dr. Sunderlands family and staff, i couldn't have asked for a better Dentist and a caring indiviual, when my mother passed I received the most beautiful cardand sentiments from him and the staff. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy. As he used to say myself and my 2 sisters were his most dramatic clients, great sense of humor.Robin L Robinson"
"To the Sunderland family, I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Sunderland's passing. He was my dentist for at least 30 years and he was the best ever. I am at a loss for words. My deepest condolences to you all. He was a terrific man and dentist and will be missed by everyone who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless him and your family. Denise D'Antico"
"Dear Nancy and Family, So sorry for the passing of your Husband/ Father. Please know you are in our thoughts at this difficult time. Sending Prayers your way. Mark and Jill Soares"
"I am terrified of dentists....he made me feel comfortable and treated me with care. I will miss seeing him at Green Valley as well......I am so saddened to learn of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family...Linda and Tom...I am so sorry to learn of this......take care and God's comfort be with you."
"When I was in R.I. he was my dentist for over 20 yrs. So sorry for the loss of your husband. He was the best on the Island"
"Dear Nancy and family was so sorry to hear of Bruce,s passing . You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rick and Theresa Rolando and family"
"I am so very sad to see that Dr Sunderland has passed away. I am at a loss for words. I have terrible anxiety going to the dentist and he laughed at me and made me feel so comfortable. He will be greatly missed as there wasn't anyone like him"
"I am just devastated by the loss of Dr. Sunderland. He made his practice feel like family. I loved it when he would sit next to me and explain some dental procedure. I am so sad he did not have a chance to retire and be with his family. He was a rare gentleman and will be terribly missed."
"I was saddened to learn of Dr. Sunderland's passing. I photographed him with his daughter's family years ago. He was so kind and generous- He welcomed me into his home as if I were visiting as a guest. I never forgot that. It's true what they say about the little things being the big things. Sending peace and prayers to the Sunderland family. XO"
"Don And Sandy Martin lit a candle in memory of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S."
"We can't express how saddened we are to hear of Dr. Sunderland's passing. He was such a wonderful, kind, caring man. He will be so greatly missed by all. Our hearts go out to his whole family and the girl's in the office. Our very deepest Sympathy Don and Sandy Martin"
"I am so sorry to hear about your loss..Dr. Sunderland was my Dentist years ago.. He was the best! Aways upbeat, Happy and I loved to hear him sing.. I remember him singing beatles songs...I have always had a special place in my heart for Dr. Sunderland and I always will. God bless you Bruce and blessing for your family."
"My sympathy to your family. Dr.Sunderland was such a great dentist, but more importantly a terrific person. He made me smile every time I saw him. He will be greatly missed. With sympathy, Merrie Scott"
"Nancy and his children ...How does one write, how terribly sad I am, to know Bruce (Dr.Sunderland) for 30 years and now gone from us. An excellent and devoted dentist to all who came to him. He was wonderful to father and mother, and to me always. I will surly miss him. I wish to let you know how terribly sorry I am. May you all be comforted to know, so many people care. Carol Ann O'Connell"
"I was heartbroken to hear of Dr. Sunderland's passing. Sending my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to his family. Fondly, A patient from day 1...Jen Hole"
"Ann M Pierce lit a candle in memory of Bruce N. Sunderland, D.D.S."
"Nancy & Family, I am so sorry for your loss my heart breaks for you, my prayers for you and your family"
"Ii am going to miss him dearly, his talent and smile. My deepest sympathy to all the family DonnaMarie Spencer"
"We were so saddened to hear of Dr. Sunderland's passing. He was a wonderful, wonderful man. He will be missed. Our sincere sympathy to his family and his work "family". Our deepest condolences to all ~ Tina & Josh Recupero"
"We very very sadden to learn of Bruce's passing... by far he was one of our most favorite people. May God hold him in the palm of his hands. Peter and Penny DePasquale"
"Our deepest sympathy to Nancy, the children and family, and to the many friends. Thinking of you all, Zib Burns and Frank Primiano."