Senate Resolution No. 1275
BY: Senator COONEY
MOURNING the death of John M. Summers,
distinguished citizen, entrepreneur, and devoted
member of his community
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION mourning the death of John Summers,
distinguished citizen, entrepreneur, and devoted member of his community
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and
WHEREAS, John M. "Dutch" Summers of Rochester, New York, died on
Friday, April 7, 2023, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Dutch was born on August 22, 1938, grew up in Fairport, New
York, and graduated from Fairport High School; he later attended the
Rochester Institute of Technology for which he later generously
supported and served as a Trustee; and
WHEREAS, Dutch distinguished himself in his profession and by his
sincere dedication and substantial contribution to the welfare of his
community; and
WHEREAS, A successful businessman and entrepreneur, Dutch built an
enterprise of dozens of businesses under the umbrella of Graywood
Companies, Inc., a testament to his hard work and dedication to success;
and
WHEREAS, Dutch's business ventures spanned many sectors, from
manufacturing and industrial, to hospitality and real estate
development; including Graywood Companies (formerly known as Jasco
Tools, Inc., Jasco Heat Treating Inc., Selby Marketing, Rocky Mountain
Granite, as well as countless commercial and residential real estate
endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Dutch was a co-founder of the Rochester Rump Group, which
merged into what is now known as the Greater Rochester Chamber of
Commerce; additionally, he served as a trustee for RIT and, along with
his late wife Jayne, founded the Summers Foundation to support
educational, health, and human service organizations; and
WHEREAS, Dutch was committed to help those who strived to succeed
but faced barriers beyond their control, Dutch's philanthropic interests
included area schools, Young Women's College Prep and The Discovery
School, Our Lady of Mercy, Nazareth College, Monroe Community College,
the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology; and
WHEREAS, Dutch's commitment to excellence, and his spirit of
humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise, including
charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Dutch is survived by his children Doug Summers (Harold
Willson), Todd Summers (Cassandra) Jeff Summers (Sherrie), Andrew
Holland (Janet), Susan Conrado (Ron) Kenny Holland (Laura),
grandchildren Corey Summers and Austin Summers, Sisters-in-law Susie
Summers and Kathy Summers, and his dear long-time friends Tina Bianca,
Mike Weed (Dawn) and Ken Marvald (Kelley DeMonte); and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dutch leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the
passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served
and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John M. "Dutch" Summers, distinguished citizen,
entrepreneur, and devoted member of his community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Kenneth A. Marvald of Graywood Companies and the family
of John M. "Dutch" Summers.
