My Great Uncle Dan, Beautiful Aunt Judy and nephew George

Good Morning Everyone I am George Sirigotis. Dan was my uncle.  
How do you describe a person who is indescribable? 
Dan Summa was the complete package…Smart, knowledgeable, driven, dedicated, self-sacrificing, compassionate, humorous, sensitive, extremely talented and successful on many fronts. Most recently during our conversation he also reminded me that he was extremely good looking.  Uncle Dan was a people person, he loved people on all levels. He could talk to anyone and, always made time to listen. 
 As I sat at home and attempted to write my Uncle’s life story, there were too many blanks that I don’t have knowledge of.  So this is an attempt to tell you what I know.
I know my uncle came from very humble beginnings
I know he basically grew up without a father or a father’s love, or a father’s guidance or any other benefits most of us enjoy from having a father.
I know that after graduating high school my uncle attended Bible College at Northeast Bible School in Pa.
I know that after graduating he traveled the country, speaking, preaching, playing multiple instruments and singing, even to the point of recording musical albums. All in the name of Evangelism. All in the name of spreading the gospel.  How do you do that as a single young man? No monetary support, not knowing what your future would hold, living out of a car, being alone, driving long trips on the road, preparing sermons. How do you do that?  Dan did that because he had a burning desire to serve God and share the gospel.  How many people do you know who could play the piano, play the organ, play the squeeze box, otherwise known as the accordion as well as the guitar. How many? And when I say play I mean play. 
As a boy I remember watching my uncle sitting down at the piano his fingers would just roll over the key board, I loved to watch him play, it was soothing and emotional to see his talent come to life. and if you every saw my uncle play the guitar you might want to grab a fire extinguisher because that guitar was on fire. 
I know that my Uncle hit the jackpot when he met and married my beautiful Aunt Judy in West Virginia. I know that my uncle loved and I do mean loved his wife abundantly. Up until my uncle got sick we would speak very frequently on the phone, during those conversations it would not be uncommon for him to tell me how beautiful his wife was and what a great women she is, I very much admired his love for Aunt Judy.
I know that my uncle was exceedingly proud of his children, Debbie, Danny and Doren, proud of who they are, proud of their self-sufficiency, and proud perhaps most of all, of their dedication to and commitment to God. The quality of his children stands as a testament to him, Aunt Judy, and what wonderful parents they were and are.
I know my uncle pastored Bethany church in Hillside NJ for many years as well as Faith Chapel in Berkley Heights, NJ. I know Dan Summa physically touched many lives, prayed for many people, counseled many people and was very much loved by the patrons of those churches. I have memories of Uncle Dan laying his hands on people at the alter in prayer.
I know that my uncle  had other talents, including the ability to build virtually anything.  He built a beautiful home in Scotch Plains, New Jersey from scratch, and made the most beautiful furniture, complete with wood inlays and precision designs, all by his own hand.
I know that my uncle cared for and supported his mother until her passing day.
I know that due to limited income of small churches and simultaneously having a family my uncle built and maintained a successful painting company and again possessed excellent business skills.
I know that my uncle had a special and unique relationship with his son Danny boy, not that he didn’t have the same with Debbie and Doreen, which I know he did.  But as a man and a father myself who experienced very much the same I can truly appreciate that special relationship between father and son, knowing that Danny boy worked with and along side his father for many years. In a crazy world that we live in today that experience is priceless
I know my uncle's biggest passion in life was Jesus Christ. He firmly believed that all he had accomplished, and all of his blessings came from the Lord. He was a spiritual leader, and led by example
What is a measure of a man? Is it the amount of money he has? The possessions he owns and the power he holds? Is it the professional success he's achieved over the years? 
I don't believe it's any of these things. The true measure of a man is how much love he gives, how selflessly he shares whatever he can to help others.
Hands!  Some people say you can tell a-lot about a person from their hands. Dan’s hands were strong with thick fingers and appeared to be weathered. Hands that had been laid on people in prayer, hands that had turned many bible pages, hands that made meticulous notes, held brushes, played musical instruments, hugged children, built houses and worked with machinery and hands that were lifted to God in praise.
Two short stories about Uncle Dan:
Many years ago one of my homes had a shingle problem, so I consulted with Uncle Dan the man who knew everything about everything, his reply was that of a true Italian "order a couple of pizza’s and I’ll come over”.I remember my uncle standing in the back of my house peeling off shingles with a carpenter’s belt around his waste and the hammer in his hand. He was a man on a mission, it was like poetry in motion. Keep in mind this was after a full day, a day that started with prayer and devotions early in the morning, going to work, delegating and managing business, dealing with clients, holding heavy brushes and rollers in his hand for hours, lifting heavy ladders and cleaning up at the end of the day. Only to come over and work on my house!Story #2When I was a young boy I would periodically spent weekends with my grandmother who lived at my uncle’s house. One weekend when I was approximately 8 years of age my uncle said to me I’m bringing you to work today. He was painting a house, it was the fall season with a bit of chill in the air. My task was to paint a white picket fence with a small 2 inch brush while my uncle was painting the house. It was my first working experience, my uncle showed me how to dip the brush and paint the vertical posts. At lunch time I remember eating a pizza with uncle Dan in the garage because again there was a bit of chill in the air. At the end of the day when it came time to clean up and go home my uncle came over to look at the fence. Unbeknown to me there were 2 inch gaps between the vertical posts which I had failed to paint…my uncle looked at the fence and said “what's this”?  With lighting speed he took his giant 6 inch brush dipped it in the paint can a filled in all the gaps that I failed to paint.That was my uncle…he filled the gaps…during his life I'm sure he filled many, many gaps, for many people from all walks of life.
As a boy I was blessed to have had a GREAT father, but I was also blessed to have had a GREAT uncle…Uncle Dan.

 Dan Summa has passed the true test of a life well lived.
 He demonstrated a genuine concern and willingness to help as many people as he could. He never forgot his roots and all while maintaining a spirit of humbleness and humility. 
There is a quote … that sums up my uncle's journey,  “My uncle didn’t build his treasures on earth, he built them in heaven….crown of jewels” RIP Uncle Dan, I know you’ll be wearing a crown adorned with many, many jewels. 

I will miss you uncle Dan, I will miss your voice, I will miss your concern, your love and friendship, I will miss your smile,  your wisdom, our phone calls and most of all your touch..until we meet again.

I am very thankful for my Uncle Dan. He was the type of man who had a great sense of humor, encouraging to others and truly loved his family. He spent most of his life preaching the Gospel, sharing Jesus with others.  My Uncle was by my side during some very difficult times in my life; I will be forever grateful.  I knew that if I asked Uncle Dan something, he would tell it to me straight but with love and compassion. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his precious wife and children.  I love you all.

Other than my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the two men I held in the highest regard were my own dad and Dan.His zeal , faith and leadership quality were and is a constant reminder to me. To Judy and entire family, sweet blessings, love and peace. Sincerely

Sometimes in your life you just meet someone and instantly know that they are good people. Dan and Judy are those people! We met when they came to GA to look for a new house, I was their Realtor, absolutely loved showing him and Judy around town, eventually once they moved here permanently he started driving us around I think because my driving scared him 😊 He introduced me to his son, Danny and his family, and now I love them all like they are my own. Dan was so special to me, like a father figure. My biggest regret is not telling him how much I respected and loved him. I will make sure to tell Judy because she is also amazing. He will be so missed but I know that he is in good hands and I hope to see him again one day. ❤️🙏🏻

CBRE NJ Property Management has purchased Lily simplicity for Daniel Summa, Jr.

My BFF since we were both 7 years old. Met in church. Followed similar life paths. Married southern belles, ministry and family were our life. Successful in business. He was a great keyboard and accordion performer, always with flair and flourish. A student of the Word. Loved the Lord, Judy and kids! Loved to preach! Loved to hear Him preach. Preached our first revival in our first church in Savannah, TN, 1963. First  converts, Barbara and Alvin McCoy, still our friends and serving the Lord today! Nancy and I are saddened by his departure but know he'll be there just inside the golden gates to welcome us all home.

George & Nancy Gianopulos has purchased Butterfly Garden for Daniel Summa, Jr.

Dan was a wonderful preacher and friend. He will be greatly missed.

We lived behind Dan, Judy, and their family for over 30 years, they were wonderful neighbors and Dan was a good friend. A true servant of God, Dan is now with our Lord in eternal peace. Our love and prayers are with Dan's family at this time of grief.Love Carlene and Bob Fallon

OBITUARY

Daniel A. Summa, Jr.

January 17, 1940 – October 4, 2022

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