Mr. Johnnie Summerling

Mr. Johnnie V. Summerling, 77, of Waterbury passed away Tuesday November 15, 2016 at Waterbury Hospital after a brief illness. Mr. Summerling was born in April 14, 1939 in Karnack, TX to the late Willie and Mary Sue (Mcray) Summerling. Johnnie was a smart man who loved school. He was educated in the Karnack Texas school system where he received his high school diploma. He continued his education at Mattatuck Community College in Waterbury, CT. Education was extremely important to him and he stressed this to his children throughout their lives. Johnnie also loved the Lord and at the age of 9 he joined Old Border Baptist Church where he faithfully served until the age of 18. At the age of 18 he left Karnack, Texas and relocated to Waterbury. CT where he continued to love the Lord as an active member of AME Zion Church for over 40 years Johnnie worked as a Maintenance Engineer at Waterbury Hospital for over 25 years until his retirement. He was a very hard worker and provider. He would often say work hard and live life to the fullest. He loved classic cars and also owned a few and would attend classic car shows all around the area. His family and friends were important to him and he would take his daughter Mariah to Texas every summer as a child to make sure she knew her family in Texas. He had a good sense of humor, stubborn at times but enjoyed having a good time and could start a conversation with people anywhere he went. He believed in working hard and living life to the fullest. Johnnie was a giving man and was always willing to help others where and when he could. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him He leaves to cherish his memory, two children Donald (Sharon) Summerling of Dallas TX and Mariah Summerling of Waterbury, one sister; Betty Summerling of Dallas, TX, six nieces, three nephews and a host of family and friends. He was predeceased by one sister Willie Mae (Summerling) Hicks and two brothers Lonnie Summerling and Arthur B. Summerling.