It is with great sorrow that we share the loss of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ely “Joe” Summers who became an angel on October 13.
Parkinson’s Disease contributed to his passing.
Joe was a self-made man, with humble beginnings. He joined the Navy and became a Gunner’s Mate on the U.S.S. Nicholas. He received a Good Conduct Medal for his service during the Vietnam War. Using his intelligence, talent and creativity, he pursued his dream of becoming a journalist after leaving the Navy. He enrolled in Miami Dade College where he quickly became the sports editor: interviewing such athletes as Kurt Thomas and Mohammed Ali. There he met and married, Carol Jeanne Legler. During this time, he also worked as a reporter for the Miami Herald. Having received a scholarship from the Miami Herald, he transferred to the University of Miami. There he also became the Sports Editor but more importantly, he became a father. His daughter, Valerie Summers was the apple of his eye and truly, a gift from God.
A man of many talents, Joe often appeared on local radio shows, including his alter ego “Modine Gunch”, who gave “hilarious ad lib advice” to the lovelorn on live radio (always a challenge to the producer). As a journalist, he wrote under the byline E. Joseph Summers, which became shortened to Joe Summers. He worked in public relations for 6 years, and later a producer for the daily noon ABC news show. When the station was sold, Joe became an editor for the National Review, a legal magazine. His last Florida job was assistant business editor of the Fort Lauderdale News.
When Carol was offered a job in Maryland, it began a new and exciting chapter in their lives. The stimulating atmosphere of DC area helped Joe and Valerie flourish. He worked for the Bond Buyer where he covered the US Treasury. It was exciting times for Joe as he was able to meet US Presidents as well as Members of Congress. This led to his last job as a National Editor at the Voice of America, as well as a White House Correspondent. This exciting position let him interview 5 Presidents from President Reagan through President Bush.
In DC, Joe pursued his love of genealogy and history. The family visited many Civil War sites and was even able to trace Joe’s ancestry back to the Civil War era.
Joe’s creativity was reflected in a variety of different interests. He played 7 musical instruments, and acted and directed in community theaters: both in Maryland and Virginia Beach. After retiring and moving to Virginia Beach, he pursued his love of comedy and performed in different venues and toured the college circuit for four years. Joe finally realized his dream of owning a boat. He also helped Ghost write a book as well as a mystery book.
Joe’s greatest joy was becoming a Grandfather to Lindsay and Tristan Van Housen. He cherished their time together and seeing their interests and talents grow. Due to his good nature, wonderful laugh and sense of humor, his granddaughter gave him the name “Haha”.
Joe was a good athlete and dedicated fan. He even played Jai Alai in Florida. Joe volunteered his time to coach baseball and softball teams. He was also a loyal Orioles fan- even naming his favorite dog “Cali Ripken Jr”. He remained a faithful fan to the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes. Since the age of 18, his other great love was Golf. Joe was an avid golfer his whole adult life. He loved playing with “The Ladies” (the senior male golfers} at Honey Bee Golf Course, forever hoping for a hole in one. We figure that his idea of Heaven includes holes-in-ones, a low handicap and throwing the ball for his beloved Cali.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 28 at the Virginia Beach Community Chapel.
Reception following on site.
