Obituary of Sumner H. Baker

Sumner H. Baker PEABODY—Sumner H. Baker, 85, died Saturday evening at the North Shore Medical Center—Salem Hospital following a long illness. Born in Nashua, NH, he was the son of the late Myer and Elizabeth (Fagerson) Baker. He lived most of his life in Peabody, and graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1944. Mr. Baker enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. Sumner owned and operated four Paint and Wallpaper stores on the North Shore including Peabody Paint & Wallpaper, Beverly Paint & Wallpaper, Ben’s Paint & Wallpaper of Gloucester, and Sumner’s Paint & Wallpaper of Salem. Sumner loved horses, and owned a Thoroughbred Racing Horse which he competed at Suffolk Downs. He loved his music, and was a talented dancer who won many awards for his dancing skills. He loved dancing with his friends at the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere. He was an avid sports fan and a big Peabody High School Football supporter along with his brother Skinny. He could not wait for Friday night’s football games; he would not miss a game. He was a loving and supportive uncle to all his nieces and nephews, and will be dearly missed by family and friends. He is survived by a brother, Alan Baker of Waltham; a sister, Shirley Goldberg of Cape Cod & Florida; several nieces and nephews, including Michelle & Jeff McMath of Peabody, Steven & Melanie Baker of Peabody, and Lisa & George McCabe of Salem, Linda & David Bara of Lexington, and Karen Goldberg of New York City; five grand-nieces & grand-nephews, Steven, Mallorie, Erin, Jeffrey, and Kevin. He was preceded in death, besides his parents, by a brother Harold “Skinny” Baker and Barbara Baker. A private, family Funeral Service was held with a graveside ceremony at Maple Hill Cemetery, along with Military Honors. Funeral planned with Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home in Peabody