Sumner W. Dodge Jr.

Sumner W. Dodge Jr., 95, died on January 31, 2026. Sumner was born in Arlington, MA but lived most of his adult life in Raymond, NH. He graduated from The University of New Hampshire with a degree in business. Sumner married Shirley Holt in 1951. They moved to Washington, DC while Sumner completed his commitment to the Army. They returned to Raymond, where Sumner became the proprietor of Holt's Hardware store. Sumner served as a volunteer firefighter, served on the zoning board, and was a founding member of the Raymond Lion's Club.

Sumner's greatest joy was his family. He will be missed by Shirley, his wife of more than 74 years, his children, Janice Dodge Hadden and Sumner (Bud) Dodge, (Kristen), his granddaughters Evelyn Hadden Smith (Kyle), Dr. Julia Hadden (John), Sarah Dodge and Eliza Dodge Usen (Nicholas), great grandsons Harrison and Theo Smith, his sister-in-law Cynthia Gagnon and many nieces and nephews.

In 1960 Sumner and Shirley purchased an old farmhouse on Long Hill Road. They spent more than 60 years lovingly restoring their home and property. The Long Hill residence was the setting for many celebrations, most notably the Thanksgivings when Sumner prided himself on carving the turkeys with great precision while the family waited patiently to eat.

Sumner enjoyed several activities including baseball, water skiing, tennis, golf and hockey coaching. His own hockey playing career extended into his 60s. As they neared retirement, Sumner and Shirley purchased and restored a sailboat and named her "Star Eyes". They spent many happy years sailing together off the coast of Maine, on their own and with family and friends. They especially enjoyed hosting their young granddaughters and teaching them the secrets of the coastline and the sea.

Sumner cherished his time as "Papa". He and Shirley traveled to Rhode Island and Massachusetts to attend countless birthday parties, recitals, theatre productions, soccer and basketball games and, ultimately, graduations and weddings.

There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the RHS Alumni Association, PO Box 745, Raymond, NH 03077.