CHH’s tribute to Summa hits the mark

Brian Mattiello, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s Vice President for Organizational Development, wrote the following tribute to former hospital president Robert J. Summa after Bob’s death last Monday at age 82 in Florida:

“It is with a heavy heart that we share news of the passing of Bob Summa Sr. He passed in Florida surrounded by his fam-

ily. He was a great man, well-liked by all who encountered him, and a smart and committed business and community leader. He was proud of his association with CHH and with the greater Torrington area. We have been made a better hospital and community and we are all better people because of his presence and countless contributions. I know you join us in prayer for the Summa family.” Well said, Mr. M. Summa’s wake will be Thursday at Cook Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday.

Summa started as the hospital’s pharmacist, working his way up the ladder to eventually become president. His success in life, all aspects of it, was no surprise to anyone who knew him.

Mattiello’s tribute circulated throughout the hospital. I thought it was very moving and when I called him, Brian said it would be fine to reprint it here.

Mattiello also had this news concerning Summa: “Bob had been chosen to receive the UNICO Club’s highest honor, the Legacy Award. It’s our most prestigious award and it’s presented to a person who has given tirelessly to the club and the community over the years. That was certainly him. It will be presented posthumously to him on June 14.”

I loved Bob Summa and I like Brian Mattiello, for the things he does. His name is continually popping up regarding matters of public interest. He’s one of those people who does positive things for the community for no other reason than that he thinks it’s the right thing to do. I’ve called him a number of times in regard to local issues, always receiving an honest and pertinent response. When Lynn Gelormino was in the running for the position of executive director of the Warner Theatre some three years ago (she was selected for the job), Brian, a member of the board, was honest and helpful to a nosy columnist, though he revealed no secrets.

I’ve known him a good long time and only this week I learned another side of him. Maybe you saw his picture leading off the “Your Weekend” section of the Register Citizen on May 25. It was a good shot of Brian, wearing a sports shirt and playing his guitar in front of a microphone. The connected story said “singer-songwriter” Mattiello would be joining the musical program at Coe Memorial Park on May 27 (yesterday) at the “Saturday in the Park” program presented by “Singer Songwriter Network — Torrington.”

Brian writes music and sings songs. He told me Friday, “I like to do it to unwind.”

He’s an interesting guy, often in the forefront in civic matters. He is married to the former Donna Muschell. The couple has five children ranging in age from 19 to 11. We need men like him, and like Bob Summa. Every community does.