Robert Grove Summersgill

Beloved father and grandfather, Robert Grove Summersgill (Bob/R.G.) passed away on May 16, 2023 at his home at Newhaven Court at Linwood in Greensburg, PA. Bob was born on June 25, 1935 in New Eagle, PA. He spent much of his youth in Suffern, NY where he was active in sports and the outdoors. In high school he was captain of his tennis team and the cross-country team. Bob spent much of his time outside hiking the mountains of Rockland County. During high school Bob became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts. He also played the clarinet in his high school’s marching band. When Bob was 23, he began downhill skiing, which he continued throughout much of his life and instilling that passion in his children. After high school, Bob attended Colgate University before enlisting in the military as a Naval Aviator. Bob greatly enjoyed the time he was in the air piloting his plane. After the Navy, Bob began working for Mercantile Stores in NYC. He was a merchandise manager for many years. It was at Mercantile where Bob met his wife, Lorraine. They were married in June of 1961. Bob and Lorraine lived in Kansas City, MO for seven years before moving to Warren, NJ. Bob and Lorraine traveled every summer with the family to most of the eastern states and Canadian provinces. One year he drove his family to Newfoundland, Canada and throughout the province. Many summers were spent in Nags Head, North Carolina where Bob would hang glide with his children. In later years he and Lori traveled throughout Europe, Turkey, Egypt, and the United States but his favorite place was the ancestral home in Stahlstown, PA, the Farm. Bob was always happiest at the farm. After 46 years in Warren and the passing of his wife, Lorraine, Bob moved out to Stahlstown, PA to live on the farm with his favorite four-legged friend, Chestnut. Continuing the work, he had begun after retirement from Mercantile Stores, Bob worked on the farm to create a blight resistant American Chestnut tree. Bob went on to become the president of the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation. Bob lived out his days at his beloved farm, riding his tractor, sitting on the porch swing, maintaining the land, and spending time with loved ones, including his companion of many years, Mary Dibert. Bob is survived by his three children, Karen Potter, Robert J. Summersgill, Kathleen Summersgill (Lisa Dusseau); his grandchildren, Phoebs Potter, Laura Potter, and Brett Potter; and his sister, Rebecca Summersgill Sproul. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Lorraine Fisher Summersgill; his parents, Ruth Grove Summersgill Hinze and Robert West Summersgill; his son-in-law, Thomas M. Potter, Jr.: and his companion, Mary Dibert. There will be a burial service for the immediate family in Waynesburg, PA with a Celebration of Life at a later date at the Farm. A special thanks to the staff at Newhaven Court at Linwood for their support, dedication, and care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The American Chestnut Foundation. Arrangements by the CLEMENT L. PANTALONE FUNERAL HOME INC., 409 W. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601, 724-837-0020 wwwpantalone.com Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.