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Frederick "Fred" Nelson Summerton, 94, of Fredonia passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at Brooks Hospital in Dunkirk, NY. He was born in Silver Creek, NY on July 27, 1932, the son of Henry and Marie (Ludemann) Summerton.
Fred dedicated most of his life to serving others, including 30 years in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves. He worked as a lineman for New York Telephone for almost 40 years, from 1956 through his retirement in 1996. He was a dedicated Mason in Silver Lodge #757 in Silver Creek, NY for 65 years. He volunteered with the Red Cross as a Crisis Response manager for disaster relief throughout the country, including serving at Ground Zero in New York City following the September 11, 2001 attacks and numerous hurricane relief efforts. Fred's generous spirit and compassion for others also extended to local community service, including with Meals on Wheels for many years after his retirement.
In addition to his many years of service, Fred enjoyed the outdoors as an avid fisherman and hunter with many friends and family, travel with his beloved wife, Nancy, and carving decoy ducks which reflected his deep love and appreciation of nature. He also immensely enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren throughout the United States. In a life defined by service to his family, community and country, and responding to those in need, Fred made a lasting impression on all those around him. The legacy of his love and dedication to others will live on through the many people he touched throughout his entire life.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Alys (Nash) Summerton, and his parents, Henry and Marie Summerton. He is survived by his five children: Kathy (David) Ludemann of Fredonia, NY; Jim (Sandy) Summerton of Fleming Island, FL; David Summerton of Silver Creek, NY; Tom Summerton of Tonawanda, NY; L. Alys (Jessica) Summerton of Baltimore, MD and former daughter-in-law, Stephanie Kirmaier of Broomfield, CO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends who cherish their memories of him.
The visitation with family will be held at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Ave., Fredonia, NY will include a Masonic funeral service and military honors ceremony to be held on Saturday, November 28, 2026, with times to be announced. Online condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com. Arrangements by David J. Dengler.