George T. Sutherland, Jr.

Harwich - George T. Sutherland, Jr. (87), devoted husband, father, and “Papa” grandfather, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, after a short illness.
  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.
   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 Sept. 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.
  George was a loving, dedicated father who boasted continually about his children, Nancy, Michael and Erin. When they were young, he would take them to the 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.
  George 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 Movie Classics, military history shows and Jeopardy, where they would finish each other with the questions to the answers.
  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, delivering medical supplies and muffins for a bakery.
For the last 30 years George 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.
  George Sutherland was the oldest of five children born to George T. Sutherland Sr. and Katherine (Herlihy) Sutherland on Aug. 17, 1937. He is survived by his children, Nancy Danielson and her husband, Charles, of Vineyard Haven; Michael Sutherland of Alexandria, Va; 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, Fla; and sister Joanna Blaisdell of Abington. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he adored. He was predeceased by sisters Margaret Goldstein and Janis Sutherland.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 05, 2024, from 4pm to 7pm at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, Blute Chapel, 678 Main Street Ext., Harwich Center. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 06, 2024, at 11am, 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 George’s name, be made to Animal Rescue League of Boston at www.arlboston.com, and The Family Pantry of Cape Cod at www.thefamilypantry.com
  Notes of comfort may be made to George’s family at www.chapmanfuneral.com