Ronald E. “Ron” Summers, 71, of State College, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on July 9, 1952, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Richard M. Summers and Veronica C. (Fike) Summers. The late Howard and Ruth Wertz played major roles in his life as well. On March 25, 2006, in State College, he married Laura C. Nickerson, who resides at Centre Care.
Ron graduated from Penns Valley High School in 1970. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted with the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge in 1976. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Meritorious Mast – 1975, and a Letter of Continuity. In 1978, he enlisted with the United States Army National Guard of Pennsylvania, where he earned the rank of Captain prior to his retirement in 1993. During his time served with the ANG, he was awarded the Army Service Medal, the National Service Defense Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal – 30LC, the Army Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Achievement Medal, the General Thomas J Stewart Medal, the MG Thomas R White Jr Medal, and the Army Reserve National Guard Recruiter Badge. He was very proud of his 23 years of service with our Armed Forces. After his time in the Marine Corps, he worked for many years as the Head of Security for what was known as HRB Singer, which later became known as Raytheon, in State College. His career continued in Defense Contracting with General Dynamic in Baltimore in the early to mid 2000s. Ron was a hard worker. Although he held full-time positions, he also worked at the Bryce Jordan Center, Beaver Stadium, a driver for many Amish, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. He also worked at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, both in building it and then assisting with bottling the wine. He loved his time spent there, it was less like work and more like time with family.
Ron was a proud veteran. He was a lifetime post member and served as the Commander of the Smith-Pletcher American Legion Post #779 in Centre Hall. He also served as a District 23 Commander for the American Legion. He was a post member of the VFW Post #9575. He loved riding his motorcycle and rode as a member of the Centre Line Riders, as well as ABATE of Pennsylvania and the Legion Riders. He enjoyed a good round of golf, bowling with his league, going to camp, and spending time with family at holiday gatherings. Penn State sports were his favorite, especially wrestling and football. He loved watching Pirates games and faithfully rooted for the Steelers. He could be found reading books on history and biographies. He was a strong willed, compassionate, and caring man. Although he was strong and often took on the role of a protector — always having your back and being there for you — he had a goofy, humorous side as well. He would refer to family members as his “favorite niece” or “favorite nephew”, but the truth was, he really was everyone’s favorite “Uncle Ronnie”.
Along with his wife, Ron is survived by his daughter, Shelley M. Feltenberger and her husband, Corey, of Spring Mills; his step daughter, Jamiana Miller and her husband, Tim, of Mill Hall; his step son, Christopher Wiser of State College; two grandchildren, Hayden and Parker Feltenberger; two brothers, George Summers and his wife, Pauline, of Centre Hall and Terry Summers and his wife, Nicole, of Bellefonte; two sisters, Donna Hinds and her significant other, Robert McClure, of Myerstown and Catherine “Cookie” Weaver of Millheim; numerous favorite nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; and his beloved tuxedo cat, Teddy.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 5:30 pm at Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, 324 Decker Valley Rd, Spring Mills, PA 16875 with Pastor Dave Downer officiating. Military funeral honors will immediately follow the service. He will be laid to rest privately at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Penns Valley Education Foundation, 4528 Penns Valley Rd, Spring Mills, PA 16875 or the HOPE Fund of Penns Valley, PO Box 427, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc 228 S. Pennsylvania Ave., PO Box 579, Centre Hall, PA 16828. An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.