In Memoriam: Robert Summers
We are saddened to report the passing of our colleague, Penn Economics Professor Emeritus, Robert Summers, on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Bob was a true gentleman in the very best sense of that word. He also was a great friend of our program, not the least because he was married for 59 years to Anita Arrow Summers, our first Research Director and long-time member of our faculty. Bob was a Distinguished Fellow of the American Economics Association and his contributions to economics were many. He is best known for his development of the Penn World Tables, which provide the essential data necessary for comparing prices and spending across countries and markets. Whenever you make a cross border investment, you do so partially based on the intellectual capital that Bob and his coauthors provided.
While Bob's passing is a loss for all who work in economics, we specially feel the loss to our great friend, Anita Summers. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anita, her three sons, Larry, Rick, and John, and her seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 19, at Beth David, 1130 Vaughan Lane, Gladwyne, PA. A private family burial will immediately follow. Shiva will be observed Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at the home of Richard Summers and Ronnie Bloom, 362 Meadow Lane, Merion Station, PA. The family will be receiving guests at the home of John Summers, 218 Derwen Road, Merion Station, on Friday, April 20, beginning at 7 p.m. Shiva will also be held on Saturday, April 21, at Anita's home, 1400 Waverly Road, Villa 11, Gladwyne, beginning at 7 p.m.
Donations in Bob's memory can be sent to: Seasons Hospice, 700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 225, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Sincerely,
Joe Gyourko
Director, Zell/Lurie Real Estate Center at Wharton
