NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Lyman Richard "Sonny" Vanderburgh Jr., 77, of North Adams, MA, died at his home on Thursday, March 7, 2019.

He was born in Readsboro, VT, on August 11, 1941, a son of the late Lyman Vanderburgh Sr. and Effie (Smith) Vanderburgh. He attended schools in North Adams. He was a horse trainer at Green Mountain Race Track in Pownal, VT, and also worked in the maintenance department.

Sonny was a custodian at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown. He also worked at Papa Gino’s in North Adams. He was last employed at Williams College as a custodian in the Buildings and Grounds Department.

Mr. Vanderburgh married his wife, Clarise Rita (Lambert) Vanderburgh, on February 21, 1986. He was an avid horseman who was active in foster care for many years. He was also a longtime volunteer at the Williamstown Boys and Girls Club.

Survivors include his wife, Clarise; three sons, Lyman Vanderburgh III and his wife, Lisa, Lloyd Vanderburgh and Dewitt Vanderburgh; one daughter, Robin Vanderburgh; three cousins who he raised, Kim Byrd, Pam Calahan and Wayne Brackett; several grandchildren; and his stepchildren, Shawn Johnson, Kelley Torres, Daniel Johnson, Shayne Johnson and Debra King.

Funeral notice: Per his request there will be no formal services. Burial will be at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Shriner's Children’s Hospital. Flynn and Dagnoli Funeral Home, 74 Marshall Street in North Adams, MA, is in charge of arrangements. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.