John M. “Dutch” Summers…
“Dutch” to all who knew him, born on August 22th, 1938 in Rochester, NY passed away peacefully on April 7th, 2023 at home, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Dutch grew up in Fairport, NY, graduated from Fairport High School, and attended RIT.
Dutch was best known in the Greater Rochester Community as a business icon and philanthropist whose work transformed the lives of those who benefited from his work ethic, wisdom and generosity.
In 1951 Dutch’s father, John A. Summers, founded Jasco Tools, a company that began as a small cutting-tool manufacturer. Dutch took over the business in his mid-20’s. Dutch grew Jasco (in later days “Graywood Companies”) into a global equity firm with business ventures both domestically in 17 states, and in five countries, in the fields of manufacturing, metal finishing, industrial distribution, hospitality, retail, commercial & residential real estate development, and commercial & residential construction. Along with other prominent Rochester business leaders, over the years Dutch enjoyed ownership interests in The Strathallan Hotel, 3 City Center, and Pittsford Place, to name a few. Most recently Dutch was thrilled to have his team acquire local long-time businesses Selby Marketing and Rocky Mountain Granite & Marble.
A life-long learner, Dutch embraced a Michelangelo quote that sat prominently next to his desk stating, “I am still learning”. Those who knew Dutch knew of his many passions including business, traveling the world with friends and loved ones, investing in the betterment of the Rochester Community, and being committed to being “ever better.”
Dutch embodied a stew of apparent contridictions: irreverent, occasionally sharp and irascible, yet kind, generous, and philanthropic; opinionated, critical, and strong willed, yet an open minded self-proclaimed “apprentice” and lifelong learner, known to well-up at a parade. Dutch found immense joy in sharing with others, a quality that was profoundly infectious to those in his inner circle.
Dutch is survived by his children Jeff Summers (Sherry), Doug Summers (Harold Willson), Todd Summers (Cassandra), Andrew Holland (Janet), Susan Conrado (Ron) Kenny Holland (Laura), grandchildren Corey Summers and Austin Summers, sisters-in-law Susie Summers and Kathy Summers, and his dear long-time friends Tina Bianca, Mike Weed (Dawn) and Ken Marvald (Kelley DeMonte).
A celebration of Dutch’s life will be held at a future date.
Comments
6 responses to “Summers, John M. “Dutch””
Mr Summer’s thank you for your loving support and advice. You will be missed. It’s truly a blessing to have known you.
Jasco East High scholar Dorian Hall
I had the honor of calling Dutch a friend and Mentor. His life experiences in business taught me so much, you just needed to listen to gain his insight and knowledge. His generosity was more than most people knew, Quietly, he supported our community through grants, loans and scholarships, that so many benefited from. Heaven defiantly gained another angel last week, I will miss you.
Dutch had such a positive impact on the Rochester community, and will truly be missed. He was always willing to share his wisdom. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
The Riggs❤️?❤️ family will honor Dutch Summers through eternity. Mr. Riggs❤️?❤️ worked for Chasco tools for 47 years and never missed a day of work for illness. He honored that summers and father with his whole entire heart. We are forever grateful for the Dutch and Jane Rochester Institute of technology foundation, where our son dillon❤️ was a benefactor. He is truly an amazing young man, and Mr. Summers would be smiling from the heavens at dillon❤️, Riggs❤️?❤️ and his accomplishments as a recipient we will eternally honor Mr. Summers by planting a tree in the fall and his honor, please watch for legacy of love coming to Rochester New York to change the world. Best regards, the Riggs❤️?❤️ family.
So grateful to Jane Summers, Duchess wife in addition to Dutch and generosity. Many incredibly positive and heartfelt memories shared at Kenneth Crosby‘s /Jasco’s company box at the Rochester New York War Memorial. They both will be sadly missed but we are celebrating their reuniting above.My Papa worked many years for Jane.She was truly selfless,generioua,and committed to her family and friends.Dutch may you and Jane continue to lovingly watch over all those whom love you.My condolences to your family. You will always be cherished.
Mr. Summers was a good friend of my Dad’s. I had the pleasure and honor being with him and his first wife on many occasions. I remember traveling with him, his wife, brother and sister-in-law.. He was so kind to my family when my Dad passed, especially to my Mom. On a regular basis he would check in on her. Heaven has definitely gained a special Angel along with Mr. Summers having great visits with his brother and friends