Donald J. Sommers

Donald James Sommers, age 96, husband of Roseann D. Sommers, died peacefully at home in Amherst, NH on April 27. He was born January 12, 1925 in Clifton Springs, NY, son of John Sommers, Sr. and Emma Sommers. Don graduated early from Garden City (NY) High School and enlisted in the Army Air Force. He served in Italy during WW II, supporting the 1st Fighter Group as a radio operator. Don attended Catholic University of America, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He married his college sweetheart, Roseann Fleege, on June 12, 1948. Don spent his career in the electronics field, specializing in microwave antennae systems. Don and Roseann moved to Brookline, NH in 1953, where they raised their family. He spent 26 years working for GTE, including 5 years on Kwajalein Atoll before his retirement. Don and Roseann moved to the Fairfield Harbour community in New Bern, NC and enjoyed 35 years of active retirement. They enjoyed travelling and Don was an avid tennis player and golfer. They moved to Amherst in 2018 to live with their son Tom and his wife Donna. Don will be remembered for his kindness, his deep faith, his love and support for his wife and family, and his wonderful sense of humor. Don is survived by his wife of 72 years, Roseann D. Fleege Sommers, his sister Patricia Diehl, and his children – William Sommers (Tracy), Great Diamond Island, ME, Edward Sommers (Laurel), Tucson, AZ, Joan Sommers Richter (Ernest Richter), Cushing, ME, Patricia Sommers, Weaverville, NC, Thomas Sommers (Donna Staffier-Sommers), Amherst, NH, Ellen Beery (William), Erie, CO and Mary Symuleski (Richard), North Charleston, SC. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, John Sommers Sr. and Emma Devereaux Sommers and his brothers, John Sommers Jr. and Daniel Sommers. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated for Don on Friday, May 7th at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick Catholic Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford, NH. Burial with military honors will follow in Meadowview Cemetery, Amherst, NH. Those attending are asked to adhere to current guidelines by wearing a mask and observing social distancing. Donations in his memory may be made to Home Health and Hospice Care, 7 Executive Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.