George T. Sutherland, Jr., at 87

George T. Sutherland, Jr., 87, devoted husband, father, and grandfather (“Papa”), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, after a short illness.

Mr. Sutherland was a native of Hull and a graduate of Hingham High School, where he was a star athlete in track. He later excelled in distance running and the steeplechase as a member of the U.S. Air Force team. He served honorably as an airman from 1956 to 1959. 

Mr. Sutherland was married for 39 years to his beloved bride, Margaret “Peg” Higgins, whom he met in 1982 and dated for the first time on September 14, 1982, at the renowned Harwich Cranberry Harvest Ball. Ever the romantic, he shared a pink rose with her and they celebrated that special day as often as their wedding anniversary.

Mr. Sutherland was a loving, dedicated father who boasted continually about his children, Nancy, Michael, and Erin. When they were young, he would take them to Hull Gut and drive perilously close to the water’s edge to toss rocks. His grandchildren were also the joys of his life – Henry, Ethan, and Oliver Danielson; and Jackson, Caroline, and Allison Palladino – and he spoiled them with microwaved ice cream and corn curls, sometimes for breakfast.

Mr. Sutherland loved to dance and was a star attraction at family weddings and gatherings. He frequently was the only man and a good-natured flirt at Jazzercise and Zumba classes. He and Peg shared many days and nights together, watching Turner Classic Movies, military history shows, and Jeopardy, where they would finish each other with the questions to the answers.

Mr. Sutherland was a proud member of the Hull Fire Department for 10 years and known all around town by his nickname, “Pete.” His career was limited by a serious accident while rushing to a fire in the early months on duty, but he remained on the job and forever loyal to the department.

He enjoyed several jobs, including driving an ice cream truck around Hull and to Nantasket Beach, where he would delight kids with treats, often for free. He also worked as a rigger at the Quincy Shipyard, and delivering medical supplies and muffins for a bakery.

For the last 30 years Mr. Sutherland was a Town of Harwich employee at the transfer station – but to him it was simply “the dump.” There he was among the most popular people in town, and especially to those who would arrive with their pets. He always had dog biscuits in his pocket for his four-legged friends.

He liked a good cigar, exercising at the community center and following, with much frustration, the Cleveland Browns football team. He will always be remembered for his spirit, sense of humor and love of life.

Mr. Sutherland was the oldest of five children born to George T. Sutherland Sr. and Katherine (Herlihy) Sutherland on August 17, 1937. He is survived by his children: Nancy Danielson and her husband, Charles, of Vineyard Haven; Michael Sutherland of Alexandria, Virginia; and Erin Palladino and her husband, Brian, of Plymouth; grandchildren Henry, Ethan, and Oliver Danielson; and Jackson, Caroline, and Allison Palladino; brother Charles Sutherland of West Palm Beach, Florida; and sister Joanna Blaisdell of Abington. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews, whom he adored. He was predeceased by sisters Margaret Goldstein and Janis Sutherland.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Blute Chapel, 678 Main Street Ext., Harwich Center. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 6, at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 246 Route 28, West Harwich. Burial will follow at Island Pond Cemetery in Harwich Center. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations, in Mr. Sutherland’s name, be made to Animal Rescue League of Boston at www.arlboston.com, or The Family Pantry of Cape Cod at www.thefamilypantry.com

Notes of comfort may be made to George’s family at www.chapmanfuneral.com.