Sumner Gage Whittier

Sumner Whittier Obituary

WHITTIER , Honorable Sumner Gage Honorable Sumner Gage Whittier of Ellicott City, MD, formerly of Everett, MA, after a distinguished career as a public servant, died January 8, 2010, at age 98. A graduate of Everett High School and Boston University, he served as Administrator of Veterans' Affairs under President Eisenhower, and as a Massachusetts Lt. Governor, Senator and State Rep., Everett Alderman and City Councilor and was a U.S. Navy Lt. in WWII. He headed S.S.I. at the Social Security Administration in Baltimore and worked there until age 80. Beloved husband of 38 years to the late Jessie (Johnston) Whittier. He leaves his children, Jaye Whittier and her husband, Alexander H. Sands III, of Gloucester, Janis Whittier of Ellicott City, MD, and Jill Kelly of Vancouver, WA; his sister, Mona Jeane Somerville of Everett; five grandchildren, Alex Sands IV and his wife, Lidiane Sands, Ashley Sands, Jennifer, Heather and Elizabeth Mackenzie; great-grandson, Alexander Sands V; sisters-in-law, Margaret Whittier and Virginia Johnston; many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Eva and Edgar Whittier, his brother, Robert Whittier and brothers-in-law, William Somerville, Arthur Johnston, and Ronald Johnston and his wife Alice.
Memorial Service at the First United Parish, 460 Broadway, Everett on Saturday, January 16 at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., MELROSE, Friday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Gifts in Sumner's honor may be made to First United Parish, 460 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. For online tribute, directions, or to send a condolence, please visit www.robinsonfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Baltimore Sun on Jan. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Sumner Whittier

16 Entries

Janice Whittier Titus

December 28, 2010

Since the 100th birthday party for Althea Whittier Spurr, my family had been looking forward to Sumner's 100th birthday
celebration. We just learned of Sumner's death and are saddened by the news. We offer our deepest sympathy to Jaye, Janis & Jill.

Karen Young

July 12, 2010

Mr. Sumner Whittier is a great man. He will be profoundly missed. My condolences to his family and friends.

Gene

January 20, 2010

My condolences to the Whittier family for this great American hero.

Bernard Jackson

January 17, 2010

Sumner Whittier was a
man of honesty, character
and integrity.He was an
advocate for liberty and
justice when others hid
in silence.Truly a great
American Patriot!

Robert Huke

January 14, 2010

Dear Whittier Family:
Sumner and my father served together in the Navy in WWII, at Provincetown, MA. They had a great deal of admiration for each other, and kept in touch through the years. The annual Christmas Card was an event for my family. I was fortunate enough to spend a pleasant 3 hour lunch with Sumner and my eldest son in Maryland about ten years ago, as he regaled us with stories of his life, and he and my father, a legacy that I did not know, and would not have been able to communicate to my son. A truly great person, and one who will be missed. Col. H. Robert Huke, III, USA, Ret'd

Alice "Sam" Raatjes

January 14, 2010

Mr. Whittier, a gentleman and a difinitive representative for veterans was one of the cornerstones that dramatically affected VA History. His vision and accomplishments are appreicated. May God welcome him home and provide loving memories and heartfelt rememberances for his family and friends.

James N. Ryan Family

January 14, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

January 14, 2010

Condolances to the family for your loss, I met Sumner once in Scarborough,Maine on a visit with my mother (Muriel Burrows). She was a classmate of hia at Everett High. and often spoke highly of him.

Dick Alsterberg, Stratham New Hampshire

Darlene Richardson

January 13, 2010

Condolences to the family for the loss of their treasured patriarch. A great and honorable man is gone, but his legacy and inspiring words live on at the VA.

January 13, 2010

Dear Whittier girls,your Mom and Dad's wedding was the first I attended. Your Mom was my Sunday School teacher and the whole class got to go. I remember the electricity going off. They switched from organ to piano and we sang Christmas carols while your Dad went to the fuse box and got them back on. Then I had the twins in Sunday School when they were 4 or 5. A long time ago! When you were in Washington, we stopped on one trip from Everett to Norfolk and what a wonderful view from that house! My cousin married Richard Somerville and my aunt lives in your Mom's old house.Your Dad had a wonderful life and you should be proud to have had him as a Dad and I was fortunate to have known him. Sincerely, Florence Wilderman Archambault

January 13, 2010

" WITH MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE WHITTIER FAMILY IN THEIR TIME OF SORROW" . I AM THE NEPHEW OF MARGARET WHITTIER. DAVID DE MILLE, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Stan and Linda Brooks

January 12, 2010

Both my wife and I worked for Mr.Whittier when he headed up SSI. What a colorful man who was never at a loss for words.We always looked forward to his Christmas cards..a card that he spent so much time putting together. He will also be remembered for the great love he had for his wife. To his family, we offer our condolences...

Vanessa

January 11, 2010

Whittier family~
Please accept my condolences. I pray that your family draw close to one another and to our God of comfort to get your through this difficult time.
Sincerly,

Scott Johnston

January 11, 2010

What a GREAT AMERICAN and Uncle...the Scott Johnston family

Frank J. Imbornone

January 10, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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