WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Robert Joseph Sumner Sr. 92 of Williamstown, MA died Thursday May 9th, 2024 with his loving family by his side at Williamstown Commons where he resided for the past 7 years. He was born in Cheshire, MA on October 7, 1931, a son of Franklin and Irene (Racine) Sumner. He attended local schools.

Robert was a self-employed roofer for many years. He attended the Florida Baptist Church and the Living Hope Community Church. Robert loved fishing. He enjoyed many fishing trips with his best friend, George, who passed before him. He was a charming man and had a great wit and sense of humor about him. For many years, he operated a hot-dog stand on the Mohawk Trail where many people would stop by and chat, tell stories and have many laughs with him. He was a very hard working man who always found a way to provide and care for his wife and 10 children. Loved ones will always recall his wife calling him the “Old Man”, and in turn he adoringly called her “The Old Lady”. They were the love of each other’s lives. The love they shared was rare and extraordinary. His laughter and silly antics will forever be remembered by his family who loved him so much.

His loving wife was Shirley Elizabeth (Perras) Sumner who died in 2010. They were married on September 30, 1950. Survivors include six daughters, Rose Sumner-Stokes of Kingsbury, NY; Bernadette Burdick of Florida, MA; Michele Wojnicki; Katherine Tetreault of Adams, MA; Brenda Brewington of Michigan and Laurie Brewer of North Adams and one son, Edward Sumner of Wichita, KS. He also leaves 30 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild and many nieces and nephews. Three sons are deceased including Robert J. Sumner Jr., Gary Sumner and Richard Sumner. Six brothers and two sisters are also deceased.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at Williamstown Commons that cared for our dad so lovingly for all these years. We would also like to thank Berkshire County Hospice who helped Dad and our family over the last few months. A special thank you to Dr. Joslin who cared for Dad for so many years.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A memorial service for Robert J. Sumner Sr will take place Sunday May 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Living Hope Community Church. Burial will be in the Ruth and Ahab Hill Memorial Cemetery in North Adams, MA. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com