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Jesse Sommer Obituary
Jesse Black Sommer Jr, 85. Former Old Greenwich resident died on December 1, 2020 in Newport Beach, CA from Covid. At his request, no services will be held. Mr. Sommer was born April 3, 1935 in Pekin, IL to Jesse and Thelma Sommer. He taught English and Drama at Greenwich High School for many years. Jesse is survived by his sister, Leva Hall of Costa Mesa, CA; his brother, William (Sally) Sommer of New York City, NY; 5 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews; 4 great-great-nieces and nephews; and countless dear friends. All of us have so many special memories of him that will always live on in our hearts and definitely make us smile. He was the greatest Great-Great-Uncle Jesse!
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Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Sommer
Tim Dirgins
November 28, 2025
Mr. Sommer popped into my mind today for no particular reason and I was sad to see he passed from Covid. Certainly one of the best teachers I ever had. Always in purple, graded with a purple flair pen and challenged his students to think deeply about literature. More than 40 years later and I still recall his passionate description of the beat writers. A great educator and man. RIP
Jeanne Schinto
October 6, 2025
I was thinking of Jesse Sommer today, and, sadly, found his obit. He was one of the best, if not the best, teacher I ever had on any subject. I took a Humanities class with him my senior year at GHS (class of '69). It included not only English but also art and music and was team-taught by three teachers (seven periods in all per week). We read The Tin Drum, Wallace Stevens poems, Carson McCullers's The Ballad of the Sad Cafe.... We "listened" to John Cage's Four minutes and 33 Seconds of Silence. We went to NYC for plays (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, Man in the Glass Booth...), jazz (Dave Brubeck), ballet (the Joffrey), and an opera (Faust). Mr. Sommer led us by train from Greenwich on these excursions, usually during the day but sometimes for evening performances. He handed us each a dime for the required subway ride to our various destinations. Unforgettable: the experiences and him. R.I.P.
Harriet
February 1, 2023
Jane Kendall
November 27, 2021
There teachers that change your life and Jesse Sommer certainly was one. I've been thinking of him so strongly today with the passing of Stephen Sondheim -- of course it was Mr. Sommer who introduced me to Sondheim -- who else? He was wickedly funny, as well as a great teacher. I still remember him as tall and thin, with wildly flowing blonde hair and always in purple! Lovely memories.
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Jan and Grant Bean
February 7, 2021
Grant and I met wonderful Jesse in London in 1970/1971 when he was on his sabbatical from his Old Greenwich school. He opened our colonial eyes to even more exciting theatre, music, literature and movies. We stayed with him in Old Greenwich twice and then saw him again after he moved West. He, in turn, visited us twice in New Zealand. We remember him so fondly and thank him for giving us such memorable experiences in all the arts. We looked forward to the annual 'reading list' of his favourite books. We would like to make contact with Leva or one of her 'children' to express our love and condolences.
Michael Makarewicz
December 15, 2020
Jesse, we certainly had a lot of laughs over the years. I am sure you are directing some company somewhere. Be at peace dear friend, will miss you.
Nelson Schmitz
December 12, 2020
Jesse Sommer was responsible for allowing me to utilize time out of the classroom to fulfill a dream to make a movie of life at Greenwich High, which was shown to a filled auditorium one fine evening in June, 1967. Thank you!
Leslie Larsen Gottert
December 10, 2020
To Jesse's family - I remember Mr. Sommer standing in front of my sophomore English class, challenging a group of fifteen-year olds to think and figure out what the author of the classic that we were studying intended to convey. He was always dignified, with a wry sense of humor. An exceptional teacher! GHS Class of '67
Joel Kaye
December 10, 2020
To Jesse's family -- High school would have been a lot less interesting and a lot less fun but for Jesse's unflagging enthusiasm for literature and his students. Great photo -- although it's 50 years later his love of life and engagement with it jumps off the screen. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and hope you know he was loved and appreciated at Greenwich High, and well-remembered by those of us lucky enough to be in his classroom!
Melinda Fryer
December 10, 2020
He was one of the best teachers I have ever had. He respected the students and challenged us to be our best. He had a lasting impact on my life. (GHS Class of '69)
Rose Meli
December 10, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Sommer was one of my English Teachers at Greenwich High School class of 1979. I have fond memories of him all these years later. He has such a passion for teaching and brought fun and excitement to his classroom. God Bless his eternal soul. I will hold my dear memories of this wonderful man.
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