Thomas Stran Summers

On November 2, 2023 at age 94, Thomas (Tom) Summers died after a long and happy life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Veteran, and community servant leader. He is survived by sons: Stran, Bruce, Tim, and Mike Summers; daughters-in-law: Sandy, Mary, Grace, and Jackie; grandchildren: Berta, Erik, Bryce, Madison, Katey, Chase, Timmy, Bitsy; and his beloved dog, Cali.

Tom was born on July 10, 1929 in Baltimore, MD, the eldest son of Stran and Caroline Summers. He was the fifth generation of Summers who worked in the family vegetable canning business that was founded in Baltimore dating back to 1865. The Charles G. Summers Jr. Inc. canning company moved most of its operations to New Freedom, Pennsylvania in 1933, including Tom, his brother Dwight, and his parents.

Tom graduated from McDonogh School and Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Maryland. He played lacrosse and lettered on the JHU Rifle Team. He was in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program and as a distinguished military graduate, received a Regular Army Commission as an Infantry Officer. While attending college, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Jane Van Zandt. They married in 1955.

Tom was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division during the Korean War. While in Korea, he served on the front lines as Platoon Leader, operating in the “Iron Triangle” of Kumwa Valley and later the front lines of “Heartbreak Ridge.” He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge in 1952 and was promoted to First Lieutenant before returning home to the United States in 1953.

In 1954, he returned to civilian employment with Charles G. Summers Jr., Inc. where he served as Vice President of Production and was responsible for all growing operations and production. Later he served as the President and CEO of the company and eventually became Chairman of the Board from 1980 to 1986. Under Tom’s leadership, the company was at one point the largest packer of boiled onions in the world. Tom was involved with the canning industry throughout his career, serving as the President and CEO of Fawn Foods, Inc. He served as President of the Pennsylvania Food Processing Board. In 1985, he was presented with the Outstanding Service Award from the Pennsylvania Food Processing Industry.

As Vice President and Secretary of Stone Enterprises, Inc. Tom was responsible for development of residential properties in New Freedom and Red Lion.

Dedicated to his community, Tom spent most of his life in New Freedom. He helped organize the local Jaycees in 1955 and received the organization’s Outstanding Citizenship Award twice in 1971 and 1972. He joined the New Freedom Lions Club in 1955, serving in various positions including Treasurer, Vice President, and President. He was well known as the lead volunteer and Bingo caller for over 60 years during the annual Lions Club Carnival. Everyone in town remembers his infamous “O-skixty skix.” As a founding member of the Bon Air Country Club, Tom served as President and on the committee that raised the money to build the club’s swimming pool.

He was active with the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years and received the Outstanding Service Award from the York-Adams Area Council in 2000. In his lifetime, he served as President of the council and received the prestigious Woodbadge, Vigil Honor, Silver Beaver, and the James E. West awards. He also served as Scoutmaster of Troop 24 and worked as a volunteer for four National Boy Scout Jamborees. His scouts affectionately called him “Uncle Tom.”

During his life, Tom served as President of the New Freedom Borough Council, President of Bowleys Marina Yacht Club, and President of the Sea Colony Homeowners Association.  He was Chair of a United Way Campaign and served on many community boards and committees.  He was also honored as The Grand Marshal of several New Freedom Parades.

Tom was predeceased by his wife Jane in 2016 after 61 years of marriage. Both shared a love of travel, dancing, wine, dogs, and volunteer service. They spent many summers together in Bethany Beach, Delaware. Most importantly, Tom and Jane adored their family, church, and community.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to “Lions Club Foundation of New Freedom” - PO Box 235, New Freedom, PA 17349 or “The New Freedom Youth Center” – 6 McCurley Drive, New Freedom, PA 17349.

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There will be a viewing from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, November 10 at Hartenstein Funeral and Cremation Care, Inc. 24 N. Second Street, New Freedom, PA 17349. There will be a second viewing from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, at Grace Church Shrewsbury, 473 Plank Road, New Freedom, PA 17349 followed by a Memorial Service from 11 – 12 Noon. HartensteinCares.com