On Sunday, the City of Summit, the Summit EMS and the Summit / New Providence Rotary paid a formal farewell to Paul D. Vickery, 78,  who passed peacefully on the 28th of December 2025, surrounded by his wife of 47 years Donna R. Vickery M.D., beloved children Ian Edward Vickery and Claire Catherine Vickery, and dear friends.

 

Born in Abington, PA to Fred and Eileen Vickery, Paul spent most of his early years in Pennsylvania, before moving to Summit, NJ in 1963, and graduating from Summit High School in 1965.  Always an entrepreneur, Paul received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Utica College in 1971. During this time his interest in emergency medical services emerged as he became one of New York State’s first Medical Emergency Technicians (his registration number was in the single digits) and he served on the first aid squad at Mohawk Valley Community College as well as provided support at Utica athletic events. He also was a proud Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity brother, Beta Iota chapter, becoming a Life Member.

 

After graduation Paul returned home to Summit, initially becoming a service manager at Smythe Volvo. A man of diverse interests, in his spare time, Paul pursued and obtained a sailplane pilot’s license followed by a single engine pilot’s license and flew many hours at locations throughout New York and New Jersey. During this time he combined his love of cars, emergency medical services and business to launch Paul D. Vickery & Co., providing sales and service of ambulances to emergency communities in NJ and beyond for over 40 years.

 

Deeply committed to community service Paul was an active member of the Summit Jaycees and joined the Rotary Club in 2008.  Having started as a member of the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad while on breaks from Utica College, he continued what was to become a 37 year tenure where he fulfilled a number of roles including Vice-President, Captain (Chief), Lieutenant, Board of Trustee Member, and New Building Co-Chair. It was at the First Aid Squad he met his wife as well as made several lifelong friends.

 

Moving to Millington, NJ in 2000, he converted a barn into a workshop, and enjoyed acquiring, restoring and driving a growing collection of antique and vintage vehicles which included a 1928 Packard ambulance, 1940 Buick Flxible ambulance, 1956 Cadillac-Miller ambulance and his beloved 1996 Impala SS. Paul was an active member of the Professional Car Society, Packard Club, Buick Club, and National Woodie Club, often bringing vehicles to local car shows and events. He loved anything to do with planes, trains, trolleys or automobiles and family trips usually included an excursion to a museum or airfield.

 

In addition to his immediate family Paul is survived by his sisters Merle Johnson, Phyllis Attisano, and Lisa Vickery as well as several loving cousins, nephews and nieces.

 

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On Monday, Rotary will hold its first meeting of 2026 at Christ Church.  Our guest speakers will be from the Overlook Foundation and Overlook Hospital. 

 

Our key speaker will be Dr. Muhammad Feteiha who is a fellowship trained general and bariatric surgeon with Atlantic Medical Group. Affiliated with Overlook Medical Center, he is vice president of the Medical Staff, the Chairman of the Surgical Quality Review Committee, and Vice Chairman of the division of General Surgery. He has held several other leadership roles with Atlantic Health System throughout the last two decades and has pioneered the Bariatric Service at Overlook Medical Center. Dr. Feteiha earned his doctorate in medicine from Tufts University School of Medicine. Upon completing his surgical residency at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, he completed a fellowship in laparoscopic surgery at New York Presbyterian Hospital Columbia University. Dr. Feteiha earned the distinction of being named to New Jersey Monthly's Top Doctors for over 10 years in a row. In addition, he received the Atlantic Health Physician Excellence Award. His clinical interests include general and minimally invasive techniques to treat obesity including gastric bypass surgery and gastric sleeve surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, colorectal disease, as well as hernia repair. He is board certified in surgery and a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery’s New Jersey Chapter, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons. Dr. Feteiha is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys skiing, bicycling, running, and participating in triathlons. He is a participating member of the Atlantic Accountable Care Organization.

 

Clelia Biamonti, PhD, the Chief Philanthropy Officer of the Overlook Foundation will introduce Dr. Feteiha

 

Remember we start at 12:15 at Christ Church.   Please remember that parking in the church parking lot is not allowed as it is used by their school for pick up and drop off during our meeting hours.  

 

BOARD MEETING:  Your Board met last week and accomplished a lot.  Here are some of the highlights