John Summers

John Summers
John L. Summers, 89 of Vernon, Connecticut, passed away peacefully March 29, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.
Raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, John was the youngest of three children born to his late parents James and Leona (née Greener) Summers. His late sisters Virginia "Jinx" Martucci, and Sally Lorimer doted on him. When he was in his teens, he and his family moved to West Hartford, Connecticut where he sang in a vocal quartet at Hall High School, from which he graduated.
He started his career as a draftsman and machinist at Merritt Tool and Die in Hartford. From there, he worked for three decades at Gerber Scientific Instrument Company as an engineer and computer programmer. Influenced by John's careers, his children founded CNC Software in Tolland, CT. John finished his career there, always making sure to clarify for people who assumed he was the boss, that it was in fact his sons' company, and they were in charge.
John, known to many as Dad, or Braca, had a zest for life. He spent his time tending to his garden, giving away his bountiful tomatoes, baking his famous bread and pecan rolls, and teaching anyone who would listen about vector math and his countless creative inventions. He was a member of the Rockville Alpine Ski Club (CT). In the Club's early days, they elected him President because he was the only one who could figure out how to turn the neighbor's old car engine into a tow rope to bring skiers back up the slope. John taught ski lessons there to many and shared his love of the sport with his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastimes were mountain biking with the crew, playing tennis, fixing things, making trouble with his grandchildren, and doting on his great-grandchildren. John had a love for life that was contagious. He saw the world through a beautiful filter, and he gave us a chance to see through his eyes.
John leaves his wife of 68 years, Joan (née Campbell), and his children Marilyn (Ernie Glickman), Mark (Jamie), Jack (Ramona Addesso), Sandy (Harry), and Brian (Heather). He also leaves his grandchildren Meghan, Jay, Braden, Ken, Tim, Emily, Tory, Kaitlyn, Mikaila, Nick, Cole, and Simone. He also leaves eight great-grandchildren: Holden, Zoe, Revel, Sebastian, Emma, Elio, Lyla, and Hallie, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday April 7, 2025, at The Lodge at Maneeley's, 65 Rye St, South Windsor, CT 06074. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in John's name be made to: Cornerstone Foundation, 15 Prospect St., POB 3, Vernon-Rockville CT 06066; or Indian Valley YMCA, 11 Pinney St. Ellington, CT 06029; or Rockville Public Library, 52 Union St. Vernon-Rockville, CT 06066.