05/09/2026
Ralph James Summers
1932 ~ 2026
Ralph James Summers passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026 with his family by his side. He was just 9 days shy of his 94th birthday.
Ralph was born on April 29, 1932 in Ashley Pennsylvania. He spoke fondly of his childhood in Ashley often sharing stories of his sweet mom, Mary, his hard working father, Michael, his sister Bette, his playful dog, Pal and his beloved rooster, Butch.
He attended Ashley High School where he served as an officer in the student council, played saxophone in the marching band and took the state championship as a point guard on the Ashley High School basketball team in 1949. The team members were each awarded a gold watch with their name and victory date engraved on it. Ralph proudly wore that watch well into his 70’s.
Ralph worked hard to put himself through college, attending Penn State and graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He remained a faithful supporter and fan of the Penn State football team and Girls Volleyball team until his final days.
He served in the Navy after college and was stationed near Waikiki Beach, Oahu Hawaii. It was there that he met Val Jensen on a blind date. Ralph often reminisced that the first thing he noticed about Val was her sparkly smile and beautiful face to which Val would share that the first thing she noticed about Ralph was his big feet. The two hit it off, fell in love and were married in 1957.
Ralph was employed by Sylvania Electric Products Inc (later known as GTE Sylvania), and his first years with the company proved to be exciting ones as frequent transfers took he and Val to San Diego, Massachusetts, New York, Texas and Maryland. During these years, they brought 4 children into the world, Gary, Kim, Shari and Scott.
Working his way up to Vice President of Security Systems with Sylvania, the family’s final move took them to Cupertino California where they settled in for the next 30 years. As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ralph instilled the importance of attending church meetings and activities with his family. He was a very fair and open minded member as he stressed to his children that one of God’s greatest gifts to them was their free agency. He was greatly loved by the youth in their Cupertino Ward as he served as the Youth Activity director and Freshman Seminary teacher. He was known as the “fun Dad’ and always had a wonderful sense of humor and playful spirit.
Ralph was a dedicated and hard working father. He put all 4 of his kids through college and sent both of his son’s on 2 year missions. He was indeed a “fun Dad,’ spending all of his precious vacation time on family camping trips, travels to visit cousins on water skiing trips, backpacking trips on the John Muir Trail, lengthy family bicycle tours and creating countless treasured fun and creative family traditions.
Upon the birth of his first grand daughter, Kati, Ralph became a full fledged “softie.” A loving, energetic and generous Grandpa immediately emerged as he welcomed a total of 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren into his life.
Upon retirement, Ralph and Val purchased a beautiful piece of land in Alpine, Utah, nestled against the Wasatch Mountains. Together, with a local architect, they designed their dream home and lived there from 2000-2026.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Val; his eldest son Gary; his daughter Kim (husband Everett) and grandchildren Rachel (great grand daughter Roman), Russell (Jean), Sarah, Shannon (Daniel); his daughter Shari and grandchildren Kati (husband Mark and great grandchildren James, Maddie, Josh and Jacob Ralph), Jake, Michael (Shelby); his son, Scott (wife Tanya) and grandchildren Stephen (wife Jessie and great grandchildren Anna and Lily), Eric (wife Kayla and great grandchildren Roman and Calahan), Emily, Jeremy and Jason; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Ralph truly lived a full and meaningful life. As a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ralph taught the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ with few words. Rather, he taught with consistent examples throughout his life. This legacy of teaching by example will be remembered by all who knew him.
Per Ralph’s directive, there will be no public services held.
Family will gather to share memories, love and laughter.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.warenski.com