Reverend Kevin Sumler

It is a privilege to call Fr. Kevin my friend.

It was the year that Fr. Kevin was ordained and had laid to rest his beloved mother, that our paths crossed in the place of spiritual healing, Fatima. He became quickly endeared to my family who embraced him and with whom we shared many wondrous experiences: From Touring the Pope’s residence at the Vatican; offered Mass in Assisi; walked the Via Delarosa in Jerusalem; climbed Leaning Tower of Pisa with his niece Christy; had a snow ball fight with his nephew Erik atop the Swiss Alps; ‘Manga-ed’ Aunt Sophie’s Italian cooking in Beverly, MA; or kicked back and enjoyed the snow at our home in Hyde Park, NY.

He presided over my daughter, Trisha’s marriage, and buried my son, Mace, who adored him.

On my first trip to Huston, he brought me to the grave of his mother, where he now rests.
(he teasingly told me not to speak, cuz they don’t like Yanks and warned me that the Confederate flag was still flying)

Meeting the Sumler family was a gift to me and my family. The warmth and cordiality of Kevin’s father, Al and Sybil was overwhelming;
The love and caring he had for his brother Neil, is to be honored;
He respected and was in awe of the independence and accomplishments of his sister Susan; Kevin enjoyed the lively spirit of hi brother Mark and so appreciated his children Brian, Christopher, and Katie;
Sweet Marian, was Kevin’s center of their family unity. Marian, Ronny, and their children provided a warm retreat for their brother. They meant everything to each other.
Fr. Paul was everything a brother could possibly be on every level- a strong bond- best of friends!
I heard that Fr. Paul’s homily was a beautiful tribute to his brother; that the church was filled with loving friends; that the Mass, and the ritual with the Knights, was a sacred and rich sendoff that would have pleased him.

Kevin had an incomparable wit and had fun getting us off center with his outrageous humor.
He often said, with tongue in cheek, ‘I am but a poor priest who anoints the sick and buries the dead’. His dearest friend told me he has no gray hair… I replied, ‘That is because he gave them all to us!’

Of course, we know that Fr. Kevin was many things to many people. He loved his bible study classes and prison ministry. He was an excellent homilist. He was the people’s priest. Compassionate. He was humbled by the kindness of the people of his parishes and always spoken so lovingly and proud of the people he served. I have heard him mention so many of you by name.

As earthy and playful as he was, Fr. Kevin was a deep thinker, an intellect. In addition to discussing scripture, we shared an appreciation for the work of Carl Jung.

It is yet surreal that we will no longer be sharing laughs and tears on the phone. I could always count on Fr. Kevin to answer a canonical question or get his perspective on a situation.
Fr. Kevin had a bigger than life character and colorful personality- a complete palette! His death leaves a cavernous void in our lives.

To Fr. Kevin’s family, brother priests, friends, and parishioners, I offer my condolences.
I pray that your grief passes gently through you.

It is time to rest in peace, my friend.
Christine di Grandi Jones

We send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Father Kevin's family. He was a dear man and lead our family of faith with love.
He was very involved with our CCD program,all other activities, came and listened to the choir pracice, from time to time, and baptised my oldest grandchild. He holds a very special place in heart of the Parish, of Our Lady of Sorrows, in China. God rest his soul and comfort his family at this difficult time.

Judi and Ronnie Benoit
Carol Joy, Mike and girls
Chuck, Theresa and children

So sorry to hear Fr. Keviv has passed. He was a wonderful man who touched so many lives. Our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.