Robert Summers

SLINGERLANDS - Robert M. Summers, 88, passed away on December 26, 2013 after a brief illness. He was born December 9, 1925, at the US Naval-Air Base in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, while his father, the late Dr. Bruce M. Summers, was serving in the navy. Robert traveled extensively throughout the United States as a boy, living at various naval bases with his family. He also traveled with his family to Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong and lived for two years in the Philippines prior to World War II. During the War, he met his future wife at Rodger's High School in Rhode Island, marrying her in 1948. From childhood Robert had a passionate interest in science, technology and astronomy. He graduated from Stanford University and received a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Indiana University. Upon graduation he started a 40 year career as a research chemist, receiving several US patents. Early in his career he worked with Jack Welch at GE in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Later, he worked with other defense contractors, retiring from Honeywell where he developed materials used in the Trident Submarine program. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Lois G. Summers, Bethlehem, New York; sister, Ann S. Carter of Stockton, California; sons Brian M. (Claudia) Summers, Jonathan B. (Kitty) Summers also residents of Bethlehem, New York and Martin D. (Toni) Summers, a resident of West Chester, PA; grandchildren Christian, Colin, Christina, Carolyn, Laura and Rachael Summers. A funeral service will be held 11 am Monday at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. A calling hour will precede the funeral from 10 am to 11 am at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Robert M. Summers to a charity of choice.