Donald L. Sounia, 81, of Londonderry, NH, died Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in the VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT. Mr. Sounia was born in Beverly, MA on June 23, 1928, son of the late John L. and Dorothy (Foster) Sounia. He grew up in Beverly, a simple farm boy through the Depression. At 18 he had a fire extinguisher business. He raced Stock Cars from 1949-1950. In 1951 Mr. Sounia joined the U.S. Army and served with the 11th Airborne Ranger Black Berets. He was badly injured during a jump and following his recovery, was discharged in 1953, he returned home and married Shirley M. Ambrose in Beverly. He began working as a truck driver for Thermice in Beverly, working his way up through the years to become top salesman. While the Depot Manager for Cardox, he earned the C.B. handle "Monte Hall" as he was always telling his drivers, "Let's Make a Deal." His last job was working for A-1 Power Washing in Londonderry. Mr. Sounia was involved in Scouting, with the Delmarva Council in the early 70's and the Daniel Webster Council in the late 70's, and was also involved in mentoring. He enjoyed nature, hunting, fishing, growing his garden and canning. He was an amazing cook and served as the "paid cook" at the hunting camp. He loved to play cribbage and bingo, he won a lot. He enjoyed spending time with his family, he was loved by many and will be missed my many.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Lee Bandurski and her husband Walter of Londonderry, Donna L. Rider and her husband Arthur of Manchester, NH, two sons, John L. Sounia, II and his wife Cheryl of Clearwater, FL, Christopher Sounia and his wife Katrina of Londonderry, ten grandchildren, Donald, Devin, Shane, Adam, Amanda, Ethan, Briona, Adriona, Gage, and Ketiona, three great grandchildren, Drake, Isabella and Hunter, two sisters, Shirley Stephens of Beverly, Joan Butler and her husband Tom of Beverly, and also by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. He is also survived by close extended family, Nick Medico of Londonderry, Stephen Balentine and Jonathan Arsenault, both of Manchester and by his bingo buddy, Linda Vezeau of Manchester. He was predeceased by his wife Shirley M. (Ambrose) Sounia in 1996, a granddaughter Leeora in 2002 and a sister, Louise Page.
There will be no calling hours. Following cremation, a memorial service was held at 11:00am Monday, October 26, 2009 in St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 63 E. Broadway, Derry, NH. The burial will be in the North Beverly Cemetery at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 63 E. Broadway, Derry, NH 03038 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01710.