David Walter Summers

1947 - 2025

David Walter Summers, 77, of 100 Burgess Drive, Zelienople, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025, while under the care of Allegheny General Hospital.
Born Nov. 28, 1947, in Emsworth, Pa., he was the son of the late Walter Joseph Summers and Catherine Isabel Orleman.
Dave was an active member of the Seaman Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Dave grew up in Emsworth and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School. He later graduated from Allegheny High School, Pittsburgh, in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Army in October that same year. He was trained as an aircraft mechanic and upon completion of his training served in the 192nd Assault Helicopter Company based out of Phan Thiet, Republic of Vietnam, which saw action during the 1968 Tet Offensive.
After serving in Vietnam, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Standby Reserve and upon completion of his obligation, was honorably discharged from the Army in October of 1972. He was decorated with the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
After the Army, Dave worked as an engine repairman at Homelite in Avalon and continued his education at Airco Technical Institute, where he received his welding certifications.
In 1986, he started working for the North Allegheny School District as a custodian. He served at North Allegheny High School, Ingomar Middle School and Hosack Elementary School until his retirement in 2010.
Dave had a number of hobbies and interests. His mechanical interests lead him to collecting Volkswagen Beetles and then evolved into an obsession with motorcycles. He became known by the nickname "Slim" in the Pittsburgh motorcycle community. He was also an accomplished photographer and enjoyed creating graphic art pieces from his photographs. Dave was also a published poet and used poetry and creative writing. Dave explored the practice of Tai Chi but eventually embraced a strong Christian faith. He was proud of his long and sustained triumph over his alcohol addiction.
Dave leaves behind to cherish his memory, his sisters, Donna Lou Moul (William) and Catherine Ann Soisson (Joseph); nephews, Daniel Moul (Jennifer), Dennis Moul and Matthew Soisson (Mary); and nieces, Laura Moul Norris (Trevor) and Krissa Soisson Stiger (Clint); and numerous grandnephews and grandnieces.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his sister, JoAnn Summers.
SUMMERS - Friends of David Walter Summers, who died Thursday, May 15, 2025, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at BOYLAN FUNERAL HOME, 324 E. Grandview Ave., Zelienople.
A funeral service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, May 19, at the Abundant Life Building, Seaman Memorial Chapel, at 105 Burgess Drive, Zelienople.
Dave will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville, at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 22, with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave's memory to Harmony EMS or Lutheran Services.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.