Dr. Robert SOMERS

SOMERS Dr. Robert December 28, 1933 - March 24, 2026 Dr. Robert Somers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pioneering surgeon, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026. He was 92 years old. Born on December 28, 1933, at Jewish Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Somers was the son of J. Simon Somers, DDS, and Jean Somers. He was a proud Eagle Scout and leader of Boy Scout Troop 409. Dr. Somers graduated from Central High School, Class of 196, as the Second Honor Man, and completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania in three years on a Mayor's Scholarship. He earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, followed by a residency in surgery at Einstein Medical Center. He served as a physician in the United States Air Force in Las Vegas, Nevada, where his first daughter, Marjorie, was born, and later completed advanced training in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Returning to Philadelphia, Dr. Somers practiced as a general surgeon, breast surgeon, and surgical oncologist for more than five decades. He served as Chairman of Surgery at Einstein Medical Center, where he established the breast program that became nationally renowned for excellence in breast cancer care. Among his clinical achievements, he performed one of the region's first successful lumpectomies. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Somers and his wife Ronnie co-founded the Breast Cancer Advocacy Group (BCAG), providing breast health education, patient advocacy, and family support. Their fundraising helped establish The MarionLouise Saltzman Women's Center, a comprehensive breast health center for women. Working alongside his daughter, Debra Copit, MD, Dr. Somers treated countless patients and educated physicians locally and nationwide. He and his wife were instrumental in the fundraising that established the Robert G. Somers, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery, which perpetuates his life's work through education, programs, and research in surgery. Dr. Somers shared a 70year marriage with his wife Ronnie (née Brenner), whom he began dating as a teenager. He was a loving and devoted father to Dr. Marjorie Somers (and her husband, Dr. Frank Silvestry), Dr. Debra Copit (and her husband, Dr. Steven Copit), and Amy Somers, Esq. (and her husband, Dr. Ed Litman). His grandchildren-Noah Silvestry, Scott Copit, and Robbie Copit-were a source of pride and joy. He loved sports, sailing, fishing, music, and above all, spending time with his many friends and beloved family. His warmth, generosity, and humanity left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him. Dr. Somers was a longtime member of Old York Road Temple Beth Am. His Jewish faith shaped his values of compassion, humility, and service, guiding his commitment to making the world a better place. Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J. Simon Somers and Jean Somers, and his brother, Dr. Lawrence Somers, Bob is remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the profound love he shared with all who knew him. His brilliance was matched by his unpretentious kindness. May his memory be a blessing and bring comfort to all who loved him. A Funeral Service will be held on March 29, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Old York Road Temple Beth Am, 971 Old York Road, Abington, PA, followed immediately by a burial service at Roosevelt Memorial Park Cemetery, 2701 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 5:00 P.M. at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, St. Martins location. Donations in his honor may be made to Old York Road Temple Beth Am (971 Old York Road Abington, PA 19001) or The Robert G. Somers, MD, Chair of the Department of Surgery (Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia OIA Department / Bramer Building, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA 19141).