Oneonta, NY - Otto L. Sonder, Jr., passed away at his residence on April 19, 2010.

Otto was born April 18, 1925, in Williamsport, PA, the son of Otto L. Sonder, Sr. and Anna Mae (Eoute) Sonder.

He was a graduate of Williamsport-Dickinson Junior College, now Lycoming College (A.A., 1946); American University (B.A., 1948); Bucknell University (M.A., 1949) and Pennsylvania State University, (D.E., 1964).

Otto's long and distinguished teaching career began as an Instructor in Political Science & Sociology at Pennsylvania State University (1949-51), and continued as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at DePauw University (1951-56); Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Lycoming College (1956-68); Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Professor of Sociology & Anthropology at Williamsport Area Community College (1968-74); Visiting Professor of Sociology at Pennsylvania State University, Lock Haven State University, Bloomsburg State University (1970-77), Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Senior Professor and Professor Emeritus at Hartwick College (1974-2004); and Adjunct Professor of Sociology at the State University College at Oneonta. Wherever he taught, Otto was known, respected and beloved by administrators, faculty, staff and students alike.

Otto was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, and served for many years as President and member of the Church Council. He also served on the boards of many organizations, including the Upper Susquehanna Historical Society, of which he was also a Past President, the Greater Oneonta Historical Society, the Jackson Leadership Academy and the Executive Board of the Lycoming College Alumni Association.

Otto was especially known for his devotion and service to the Brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, for whom he served many years as Advisor and Grand Advisor. In 1974, the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity lounge at Lycoming College was dedicated in his honor. In 1996, he received the fraternity's Evan C. Verner Award for Distinguished Service. The national fraternity's Dr. Otto L. Sonder Advisor of the Year Award is given to a local chapter advisor in recognition of outstanding service and dedication. Otto was known and well-received by his fraternity brothers wherever he went, and he, in turn, welcomed his brothers into his home whenever business or leisure travel brought them to Oneonta.

Otto was a world traveler, who for many years led the Hartwick College January Term off-campus course in Irish Culture & Society. He developed a particular affinity for Ireland and the Irish people and culture, and was named an honorary citizen of Abbeyfeale in County Limerick. He was an avid theater-goer, who enjoyed attending local productions, and frequently traveled to New York and Boston to see the latest productions, as well as "revivals" of older productions. And he was an avid collector of primitive art from the cultures of many of the world's peoples. His interest in people and cultures from all over the world was the source of both his vocation and his avocation. Otto was known as a raconteur, and his many life experiences, travels and interests provided much material for the many entertaining and amusing stories he loved to tell.

Otto was predeceased by his parents, but he is survived by several cousins, as well the many friends from all walks of life, from literally all over the world, he had made during his lifetime - people whom he had met, whose lives he had touched, and with whom he remained in contact, some for many decades.

Friends may gather at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1 Center St., Oneonta, NY, on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 5 PM for fellowship, remembrance and reflection.

Services in celebration of Otto's life will be held Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 6:30 PM at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, and on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 5 PM at The Shineman Chapel at Hartwick College, Oneonta, NY.

A committal service will be held at the resting place of his parents, Wildwood Cemetery, Williamsport, PA on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 1PM. Family and friends may gather at the Cemetery Office prior to the service.

All services will be conducted by Otto's pastor, long-time friend and Alpha Sigma Phi brother, the Rev. Paul R. Messner.


In lieu of flowers, contributions in Otto's memory may be made to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 1 Center St., Oneonta, NY 13820; Alpha Sigma Phi, Beta Xi (Local Chapter), 71 Spruce Street, Oneonta, NY 13820; Alpha Sigma Phi, Education Fund (National), 710 Adams Street, Carmel, IN 46032-7541; Hartwick College, Attn.: Alicia Fish, Director of Donor Relations, Oneonta, NY 13820; Lycoming College, 700 College Place, Box 165, Williamsport, PA 17701; and DePauw University, Attn: Jason Petrovich, Executive Director of Development, 300 E Seminary St, PO Box 37, Greencastle, IN 46135-0037.

Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


Arrangements are by the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, NY.