Donald Sumner

Donald Lee Sumner, aged 83, was born on January 22, 1941 at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, NJ to the late William McKinley & Dorothy (White) Sumner. Donald was the eldest of 5 siblings and the only adored brother to
Barbaran, Brenda (predeceased) Cheryl, and Robin. He departed this life peacefully on June 29, 2024 at home.
He was a man of elegance and sophistication Donald was known for his debonair demeanor and a dry sense of humor. He was a reserved individual often appearing distant yet he deeply loved those who were close to him.
Growing up in Westfield Donald attended and graduated from Westfield High School class of 1960. He married his high school sweetheart Dorothy I. Robinson. From this union, two children were born Donna & Cindy. Donald embodied the value of hard work; he began working at the age of 9 delivering news papers in his neighborhood. After graduating high school
Donald launched into a diligent career as a shift worker for 3 major Chemical companies including; Koppers Company Inc., Westfield followed by DuPont Corp.; Edison and retiring from Union Carbide Corp., Bound Brook. He retired after nearly 40 years in the industry at the age of 62, having been recognized with a certificate for his excellence through the quality
process and was also a proud stockholder in Union Carbide.
Although he never served in the military, Donald was profoundly influenced by the era into which he was born, adopting frugality and a strong sense of stewardship over all that he was blessed with. He was a devout member of
Covenant United Methodist Church and was a part of the Finance ministry reflecting his careful management of resources in both his personal and spiritual life.
Donald's personal interests included a deep passion for sports, particularly football and he possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of player statistics and personal histories. His love for live music especially jazz was evident in his frequent visits to jazz vespers at the Shiloh Church and other local venues. Donald loved good food and fine dining spoiled by both
his sister and niece's cooking.
A lover of the outdoors, Donald found solace and reflection near water, making several trips a year to the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, and Canada. He maintained a rigorous fitness regimen working out 3 times a week
and had a profound appreciation for gardening. His lawn was said to resemble a golf course.
In addition to the many leisure activities during his twenty plus years of retirement he gave back to the community through volunteering at the then Muhlenberg Hospital. He routinely contributed funding to organizations such
as the Daily Bread Ministries, United Negro College Fund, and the Veterans to name a few.
He kept his mind sharp by making a habit of reading the Sunday New York Times from front to back every week. He could converse about any subject to do with world events, politics, finance, and or community issues.
He was a man of few words but when he spoke he uttered words of profound wisdom, added a joke and a head nod.
He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him. Donald leaves behind to cherish and build upon his legacy his two daughters, Donna Morris (Gordon) Piscataway, NJ and Cynthia Sumner Plainfield, NJ, four
grandchildren Caleef (Ball) Sumner, Stephen (White) Sumner, Christopher and Kirsten Morris, sisters, Barbara Ann Brown of Plainfield, NJ, Cheryl (Sumner) Jones and Robin Brown both of Raleigh, NC and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces & friends.
Judkins Colonial Home Plainfield