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| Vol. 18, No. 29 | April 29, 1999 |
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| Vol. 18, No. 29 | April 29, 1999 |
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A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 30, in Mitchell Hall for Gary Robert Summerville, 47, associate director of the Department of Public Safety, who died April 25, after being involved in an automobile accident. He was riding his motorcycle, turning onto Route 896 from Porter Road, when he was struck by a motorist who failed to stop for the red light.
"Gary was a valuable asset to Public Safety, and I know he will be sadly missed by the University community, as well as members of the law enforcement throughout the state," Lawrence O. Thornton Jr., public safety, said.
Jack Lynn, University Police investigator, coworker and a police academy classmate, called Maj. Summerville "a doer," adding that "he was able to do things when others were standing around. He was a mentor to the student aide officers and member of the campus emergency care unit."
Lt. Vincent G. Kowal, of New Castle County Police and formerly of University Police, said, "The loss of Gary Summerville creates a void which will not be filled. He oftentimes was a supervisor, teacher, mentor and a cohort. But always, Gary was a friend."
Ann Grunert, executive director of Delaware Special Olympics, said, "For many years, Gary enthusiastically supported Special Olympics and our athletes with simple acts of assistance and support. He carried the Flame of Hope as a runner in the Law Enforcement Torch Run; he supported Summer Games by providing technical expertise and signage; and he even took a winter plunge in the ocean for Special Olympics. Gary met each and every request for help or support with an enthusiasm and spirit that was both contagious and motivating. He will be deeply missed."
A native of Wilmington, he was graduated from Brandywine High School in 1970. He attended the New Castle County Police Academy, graduating in 1975, and earned his bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at the University of Delaware in 1976.
Maj. Summerville first became affiliated with the Department of Public Safety in 1972, while he was a student at the University, serving as a part-time student guard. In 1974, he became a full-time guard, then a patrol officer and an investigator in 1975. In 1978, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and he was named assistant director for security, traffic and transportation in 1983. He became associate director and took the rank of major in 1986.
A member of the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), he was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #7, where he served as chaplain. In 1996, Maj. Summerville received the John F. Schimmel Memorial Service Award.
Contributions in Maj. Summerville's memory may be made to Special Olympics, 619 South College Ave., Newark, DE 19716-1901.
