Sidney Edward Summers

SUMMERS SIDNEY E. Sidney Edward Summers of San Diego peacefully died at the age of 79 early Friday morning with family members at his side. A long-time resident of Palm Springs, he was the former Director of Building and Safety for the City of Palm Springs, and oversaw one of the largest "building booms" in Palm Spring ' s history. At the age of 19, after a year of college, he joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and immediately volunteered for overseas duty. He saw extensive combat action throughout the Pacific as an aerial gunner with Marine Squadrons VMTB 242 and VMTB 131 flying Grumman "Avenger" torpedo bombers. He was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious action of the Ryukyu Islands, and participated in the crucial capture and defense of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands in 1942. In 1990, after the birth of their second grandchild, he and his wife, Mary Summers left their long-time roots in the desert to become doting grandparents to their newest granddaughter in San Diego. He was a member of Silvergate Yacht Club, and later the San Diego Navy Yacht Club with his son. He leaves behind his loving wife of 56 years, Mary; his son Sidney F. Summers of San Diego, daughter Pamela A. White of San Diego; daughter Cynthia McCurdy of Bellingham, Wash., two granddaughters, and sister Elinor Summers of Long Beach. Services to be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002 at Pacific Beach Chapel and Mortuary, 4710 Cass St., SD, Ca 92109. (858) 488-5553; Visitation 1 p.m., Services 2 p.m. Private family inurnment ceremony to be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, Calif.