Robert Carl Summe

Marine Colonel Robert ‘Bob’ Carl Summe, 74, of Jupiter, Florida, passed away on January 20, 2014, leaving his loving wife of 20 years, Gail. Bob was born in Kansas City Missouri, but grew up in Akron New York. In July 1957 at the age of 17, Bob joined the military service as a Naval Aviation Cadet. He received his Naval Aviator Wings and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in May 1960.

While on active duty he flew the F6A Skyray in two Marine Fighter squadrons. He was deployed to the Far East, flying from land based air stations and aircraft carriers. After his squadron tours Bob was assigned as a flight instructor in Beeville, Texas teaching student Naval Aviators aircraft carrier qualifications. During this time Bob was promoted to the rank of captain and was selected to represent the Marine Corps on the Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration team, but in 1965 he accepted a position with American Airlines and transferred his commission to the Marine Corps Reserve.

Bob’s military career spanned 36 years. While serving as a fulltime pilot with American Airlines he continued to fly operational aircraft in the Marine Corps Reserve for an additional fifteen years. From 1977 to 1979 he commanded Marine Attack Squadron 322 at Naval Air Station South Weymouth MA. Bob was a superb aviator. He served with distinction throughout his military career earning the respect and admiration of privates and generals alike. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1992.

In addition to years of dedicated service to his country as a Marine, Bob had a successful 32 year career as a pilot with American Airlines. As with his military comrades, Bob was respected not only for his great aptitude as an aviator, but also as the personable Captain who did the right thing for his crew and passengers.

When Bob was not flying for American, he could be found with his wife on their 42 foot sailboat, ‘Semper Fi’, flying his Pitts biplane and lately building a WW1 replica aircraft.

Along with his loving wife Gail, Bob is also survived by his two children: Robert Carl Summe Jr., of Londonderry, NH and Rachel Summe Leonard and husband Greg of Keene NH, two granddaughters Madelyn and Josie Leonard; his brother Gerald Summe and his wife Joan; sister-in-law Ronica Hardway; brother-in-law Jack Hardway and his wife Kathleen Hardway; and various nieces and nephews.

At this time a service is not scheduled, but the family is planning a celebration of life ceremony later in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made sent to the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment: www.woundedwarriorregiment.org/.

Online condolences may be made at www.aycockfuneralhomejupiter.com.