Obituary of Andrea Shundi

   Andrea Shundi, born in Tirana Albania, and resident of Chapel Hill, NC in the last 26 years, passed away peacefully in his home on April 30, 2024, after bravely battling pancreatic cancer.

   Andrea leaves behind a legacy of love and thorough dedication to his family and close friends. He is survived by his devoted wife, Vangjelica Shundi (née Noti), and their cherished sons and daughters-in-law: Anli (Nasho) and Edis of Chapel Hill, NC and Lambert and Artemis of Falls Church, VA. He was a beloved grandfather to Matias, Thomas, Lambert II (Logan), Rubens, and Andrew II. Andrea will be missed by his only surviving sibling, Marina, his nieces, Olimpia and Jorika Mihali and many cousins in Albania and abroad. He was predeceased by his other sister, Gjenovefa Mihali.

   Born on November 15, 1934, in Tirana, Albania, Andrea was the beloved son of Harallamb Shundi and Parashqevi (Shadini) Shundi. He pursued education with passion, graduating from the Agricultural University of Tirana in 1956 and achieving a PhD degree from the University of Tirana in 1989.

   Andrea's professional journey began as a researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Research in Lushnje. He became Chief Agronomist of the Agricultural Department of the Lushnje District and, later, he was Director of Scientific Research at the Department of Agriculture in Tirana, Albania. Further, he became Dean of the School of Agriculture at the University of Agriculture of Tirana, and then Scientific Secretary of the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Andrea studied and taught for many years plant-cultivation techniques. He published numerous books and treatises about agriculture and participated in scientific conferences in four continents. He is a recipient of many professional and honorary titles, among which the prestigious Grand Master of Albania, granted by the President of the Republic of Albania and Honor of the Academy from Academy of Sciences.

   In 1998 Andrea and Vangjelica immigrated to the USA to be closer with their sons and their families. In his last 30 years he became an avid researcher and writer on the history of Albanian food, grape cultivation, and wine making. He thoroughly enjoyed publishing on the riches of the Albanian language phraseology over Albanian food and wine, thus endeavoring to preserve such part of his nation of origin’s legacy.

   Andrea loved sports and used to be a basketball and volleyball player in his youth. He captained KS Lushnje basketball in their first presence in the highest division, and enjoyed coaching volleyball later on.  

   A viewing will be held at Walker Funeral Home in Hillsborough on Thursday, May 2, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

   A commemoration of Andrea's life will be held right before burial, at 1:30 pm, at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him as well as in his works.