Robert A. Summers

Robert Allen “Bob” Summers went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 22, 2025, at the age of 97. Though he hoped to reach 100, Bob passed peacefully under hospice care after battling kidney disease. Those who knew him find comfort in knowing he is now free from pain and joyfully reunited with loved ones in Heaven.

Bob was born on May 8, 1928, in Tonawanda, New York, to Edward and Ethel Summers. He was one of four children, preceded in death by his sister Betty Morton and his brother Lloyd Summers. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Jewel.

From an early age, Bob developed a strong work ethic. As a young man during the Great Depression, he worked at a local butcher shop in Tonawanda. At 17, he joined the Merchant Marines and traveled throughout the Great Lakes. Later in life, he delighted his children with stories from his youth, including memories of driving his Model A roadster from Grand Island to Tonawanda and giving friends rides in the rumble seat.

At age 21, Bob married Joan Marie Waggoner, and together they built a life centered on faith and family. Bob and Joan were married for 38 years until her passing. Their journey was marked by both sorrow and great love. After the heartbreaking loss of three babies at birth, they were blessed with surviving children and opened their hearts even wider by adopting children and providing foster care. Over the years, Bob and Joan parented more than 50 foster children, creating a home filled with love, discipline, faith, and compassion.

Bob spent many years working at the Continental Can Company in Tonawanda, and later at General Motors, where he eventually retired. In addition to his professional career, Bob faithfully served as a part-time custodian at First Baptist Church of North Tonawanda and later at Grove Street Christian Church, quietly serving the Lord and his church family.

After Joan’s death, Bob married Loretta Howard Summers. Together, they shared many happy years until Loretta’s passing. Combined, Bob was married for a total of 69 years. In retirement, Bob and Loretta enjoyed RVing and spending time together—something Bob often said was one of the best chapters of his life. He also cherished simple pleasures, like sitting by the water watching people go by while sharing a bologna sandwich or hot dog from Old Man River, a place he requested to visit every time his children came to see him.

Bob was a devoted father to his seven children: David, Daniel, Robert, Robbin Summers Messinger, Kenneth, James, and Trevor, who preceded him in death. He was a proud grandfather to Alanna Linden, Kimberlee Hopkins, Jonathan Summers, Alexis Messinger Cunningham, Johnny Summers, and Ava Summers, and great‑grandfather to Owen Hopkins, Lily Hopkins, Evan Summers, and Ava Cunningham. He was also Grandpa, Great‑Grandpa, and Great‑Great‑Grandpa to countless members of the Howard family, whom he loved dearly.

Bob’s Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was passionate about sharing the gospel and always desired to be a “soul winner.” This began in his own home, where he opened the Bible daily at the supper table with his children and spent each morning in prayer. Sunday church attendance was a priority, as was participation in church activities. Bob shared his faith wherever he went—even on vacation or while hospitalized—often handing out gospel tracts to nurses and strangers alike.

He was a faithful giver and a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, New York. Bob enjoyed listening to his favorite Bible teachers on WDCX and loved watching Billy Graham Crusades, rejoicing in the thousands who came forward to receive Christ. He often said he wanted to “make Heaven more crowded.”

Bob also found joy in boating with his children on the Niagara River, riding his motorcycle along the river in earlier years, and later simply watching boxing—especially when Muhammad Ali was in the ring. He loved the Tonawanda area and never wanted to leave. Though his life was not without hardship, Bob remained grateful for each day God gave him. Those closest to him often remarked that the older he grew, the sweeter he became.

Bob lived a long, full, and meaningful life. He was a good man, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a faithful servant of Christ. Though his family misses his stories, wisdom, and gentle presence, they find peace knowing he is celebrating in Heaven with Jesus and those who went before him.

A memorial service will be held on June 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Calvary Baptist Church, Niagara Falls NY. 

Bob would want everyone to know that his greatest hope is to see his family and friends again in Heaven. If given one more chance, he would share the gospel once more—so that one more soul might follow Jesus and join him there.

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