Obituary
Mary S. Summa, 106, a 35-year resident of Dover Plains, NY, formerly of Port Chester, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at her home in Dover Plains.
Mary was born in Mt. Vernon, NY on December 2, 1915 to Angelo and Giosi (Gioffre) Sgammato, who had emigrated from Italy. She attended schools in Mt. Vernon and then went on to Hunter College and Teacher’s College at Columbia University. On November 20, 1941 at Mt. Carmel Church in Mt. Vernon, NY, she married Salva J. Summa, a Port Chester Attorney, judge and corporation counsel.
While in college Mary worked at a branch of the NYC Public Library. During the Depression, after her graduation, she worked as an import-export bilingual secretary in NYC while waiting for a teacher opening. Her teaching career began at A.B. Davis High School in Mt. Vernon as a librarian and teacher of Spanish and resumed in Port Chester later on, first in the elementary grades and then later at the high school. There, she started a chapter for students in the National Spanish Honor Society and also escorted groups of students to Spain and Mexico during spring recesses. During all those years and also while raising her family she was involved in many organizations, activities, clubs, PTA, scouts, travel, hobbies music, reading and more.
Mary had thoroughly enjoyed her years as a member of the Dover-Wingdale Seniors and their delightful trips and other activities. Add to that, her fondness for her family and friends. learning new things, and hearing and telling stories with laughter, she regarded as therapy. Also, it was a joy to her all these years to make trips to Port Chester for luncheon meetings of retired teachers and for other functions.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Connie Summa Basso of Mission Viejo, CA; two sons, John A. Summa of Scottsdale, AZ and Angelo J. Summa and his wife, Barbara, of Mission Viejo, CA and a sister, Antonetta Uzzilia of St. Petersburg, FL. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was predeceased by two brothers, Dominick A. Sgammato and Nicholas Sgammato; a sister, Theresa Bloch and son-in-law, Philip Basso.
Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 62 Mill St. Dover Plains, NY. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Rye Brook, NY.
