James T. Sumner

GUILDERLAND – James T. Sumner, 87, of Westmere, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2013 at Albany Memorial Hospital. Mr. Sumner was born in Spartansburg, SC, but lived most of his life in Guilderland.  He served as a radio operator in the Army Air Forces during World War II in the Pacific, and was a graduate of Spartansburg Junior College.  He also attended the College of St. Rose.  He was former owner of, and was employed for many years by Arcadia Supply, Inc. of Albany.  He coached American Legion Junior Baseball through the Valek Post, and was Oratorical Chair for the American Legion 3^rd District of New York.  He also was a life member of the Guilderland Center VFW, and a member for many years of the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad, as well as former President and member of the Board of Directors.  Since 1952 he was a member of the Guilderland Democratic Committee, and served as Treasurer and member of the Executive Committee of the party.  He also was a member of the Guilderland Zoning Board of Appeals.  He played an important role in securing public funding for the Guilderland Emergency Medical Service System, and volunteered his time in the establishment and expansion of the Guilderland network of rescue squads.

Mr. Sumner was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Doris Meron Sumner in 1999.  He is survived by his children Donna Smith (James) of Lyman, SC, and William T. Sumner (Barbara) of Delmar;  his beloved companion Margaret “Peggy” McMahon of Guilderland; his sister in law Josephine Sumner of Robbinsville, NC; his grandchildren James J. Smith (Kimberly) and Katie Murphy (Matthew); his great grandchildren Nora and Madeline Murphy, and Joshua and Jordan Smith.

Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Wednesday morning at 9:00, and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland at 10:00.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Tuesday from 4-8pm.  The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 4:30 pm Tuesday for a service of prayer and remembrance.  All are welcome.   Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie.  The family suggests memorial contributions to the Western Turnpike Rescue Squad, 200 Centre Ln, Albany, NY 12203.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, send a sympathy card, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.

Click here to view Mr. Sumner’s resting place in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie, New York (zip code Albany, NY 12205).