John I Summerson

Wayland John I. Summerson, 83 years of age, passed away Friday, January 1st, 2016 in Dover, OH where he has resided for the past two years.


John was born January 30th, 1932 in Shintown, PA the son of Gordon and Mary (Lucas). Upon graduating from Renovo High School, PA in 1950, John entered the United States Air Force and served his country for 22 years until his retirement and honorable discharge in 1971. During his service he was stationed in Korea, Japan, California, Vietnam, Okinawa and North Dakota. John met and married Hatsue Watanabe on March 11th, 1959 in Fukuoka, Japan and together they celebrated over 45 years of marriage prior to Hatsue passing away June 26th, 2005. Together John and Hatsue resided in the Wayland area for over 40 years, and most recently John resided in Dover, OH, with his son Dave and his family. After the Air Force, John was employed by Mark Steven Inc. in Rochester for 20 years. John enjoyed watching professional sports on television including the Buffalo Bills and especially the New York Yankees. He was an avid walker and also a member of the Wayland American Legion and the Dansville VFW. Of significant importance to John though was his family. He will be dearly missed by them all.


John was pre-deceased by his parents; his wife, Hatsue Summerson; and two brothers, Walter and Glen (Pete) Summerson. He is survived by his children, Martha Summerson O'Brien and her husband, Kevin of Fairport and his son, David Summerson and his wife, Wendy of Dover, OH; his two grandchildren, Noah and Emily Summerson; his two sisters, Mary Lou Harber of Auburn, NY and Dorothy Dolan of Dansville; his brother, William Summerson (Mary Kinney) of Wayland; along with many beloved nieces and nephews.


John's family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, January 11th, 2016 at 2:00pm at the Bath Veterans Administration National Cemetery. Contributions in John I. Summerson's memory may be made to the Vincent House, 310 Second Ave., Wayland, NY 14572.