CHERTOK, Sumner J. Born February 17th, 1927, a lifelong Brookline, Massachusetts resident, passed away on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020. He attended Brookline public schools including Brookline High School. Sumner attended Harvard College and enlisted in the Navy during World War II, stationed in Shanghai. After the war, he resumed his studies graduating with honors from Harvard class of 1949, where he played offense and defense on the football team, and Harvard Law School class of 1953. After passing the bar exam and joining his father's law firm, he became active in local politics, where he was a member of the Brookline Advisory Committee, a Town Meeting Member and the Executive Director of the Brookline Redevelopment Authority. Among his most recognized projects and achievements were the FARM (Brook House), Mission Park, and suing Harvard on behalf of the Roxbury Tenants Society. In his law practice he won several class action lawsuits against banks, and a major victory at the Hague, recovering money for properties seized during the Gulf Wars. He leaves three children: Jonathan David Chertok of Austin, Texas; Benjamin Harrison Chertok of St. Petersburg, Florida; and Rachel Jane Calmas (James), and their children Josiah and Arielle, from his first wife, Ina Zibel Chertok. He leaves his brother Eliot Chertok and his children: Dean, Debbie (Marty), Joanne, Brian (Lori) and their children as well as his dear cousin Cindy Tramonte and other loved relatives. Sumner met his current wife Karen Cotzin Cohen at a Harvard Centennial Celebration. They were inseparable from that day forward and recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife Karen, he leaves her children: David B. Cohen of Hunt Valley, Maryland and Jonathan R. Cohen (Karen) of Gainesville, Florida, and their children, Rena, Emma, Amy, Jason and Sam. Sumner was an avid tennis player and an excellent swimmer with a great love for the coast of Maine, where he vacationed with his family as a boy. In later years, he spent time on Cape Cod with his wife Karen and their blended family. Burial was private on December 4th in the Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph, Massachusetts and a celebration of his life will take place when Covid-19 restrictions allow. Donations in his memory may be made to the Brookline Food Bank, www.brooklinefoodpantry.org LevineChapels, Brookline www.levinechapels.com 617-277-8300

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Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 5 to Dec. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for SUMNER CHERTOK

5 Entries

Doug Graf

February 26, 2021

Sumner was my first boss right out of grad school at the Brookline Redevelopment Authority. It was probably the best office I ever worked in. Sumner was the consummate manager and through his magic everyone in the office, all great characters, operated at peak performance in a fabulously congenial and fun atmosphere. He was both a great boss and a great friend and I learned a lot from him about planning, politics, people, and life. The office was also my real baptism into Yiddish humor. He was a great raconteur and a witty observer of the world around him. He loved the sea, especially the rocks at Ogunquit where he would recharge his batteries. The steering in his car was so loose that it drove like a boat in heavy current, so maybe that was by design. A super guy, he will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.

Jean Anderson

January 2, 2021

I am so sorry to hear that he died. He was a dear friend many years ago.

Francis J. DiMento

December 7, 2020

Many fond memories of Sumner during our college days. More than 70 years later, I still picture Sumner with a big smile. Always a delight to be in his company. My loss for not staying in touch after graduation. R.I.P.

Mike Casey

December 7, 2020

Mr. Chertok,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USN in China after WW II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

December 6, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about the families loss of one of their loved one.May the families keep the wonderful memories of joyful times the family shared together with the dear loved one lost in death.Keep those precious memories close to the families hearts ♥. As the families cherished a wonderful life that was well lived and loved by families and friends.My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to the families and friends during this difficult time of deep sorrow and pain.
-GHP & Lynn

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