Sumner Roy Selby

Sumner Roy Selby passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday, October 27th after a short illness. Sumner, known for his quick wit, helping hand, and compassion for humanity, was laid to rest at Star of David Cemetery in Ft. Lauderdale on October 31st. Friends and family came from distances near and far to celebrate his life. He was honored by a military flag ceremony in recognition of his service in the army.

As a boy in Roxbury and Dorchester, MA, Sumner grew up with his parents Harry and Emma (Bloom) Selby and big brother, Bob, as a die-hard Boston Red Sox fan. He attended Roxbury School for Boys and graduated from Boston University with a degree in communications. The degree and his time working at WBUR provided a foundation for his communication work in the US Army. While stationed in Germany, he exchanged letters with the kid sister of his best friend’s girlfriend. The relationship flourished after his return and continued to grow in his loving marriage to Myrna Edesess over the next 63 years.

During that time, Sumner’s professional life continued in the field of electronic communication, as an employee of CBS Hytron, GE and later as a sales rep in Cleveland. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to Indianapolis to start Cardinal Sales, a successful electronics business that still exists today in the able hands of his son. Upon retirement, Sumner and Myrna moved to Florida to be close to family. They found a new community of friends in both Mission Bay and Five Star Residences.

Sumner loved his work, the game of tennis, playing the piano and engaging in mind challenges like bridge, but he loved nothing more than his family. He deeply loved Myrna, and their children Jan, Keith, Beth and Kim. In addition to his wife and kids, Sumner is survived by his children’s partners, David, Bess, Eric and Dave; his grandchildren Leah, Jack, Jenna, Max, Zach, Stephanie, Marina, Katrina, Daniel and Mathew; and his sister-in-laws, Ann Cohen and Poolsiri Edesess. There were many special dogs, especially shelties, that he also considered family members throughout the years.

We will think of him as we listen to show tunes, classic comedies and Laugh-in quotes. We will feel his warmth as we help others in our own communities, knowing that he would do the same. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.... because as so many have said over the last few days - he was just so easy to love.