John D. Somers

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John D. Somers, 91, of Sarasota on September 14th, 2025, at Riviera Palms Rehabilitation Center in Palmetto after a long illness. He was born in Fairfield Township, Michigan to Elgie and Alma Somers. John was preceded in death by his parents, Elgie and Alma Somers and sisters Dorothy Fruchey and Charlotte Csapos. He was the devoted husband of Mildred for 73 years; loving father to Kathy (Jeff), John Jr., Chris (Les) and Tracy (Brett); grandfather to Scott (Yustina), Lauren (Joe), Andrew and Ethan; great grandfather to Dielo, Adriel, Greta, Declan, Graham and Andrew Jr. A special thank you to longtime family friend, Charles McNeal. John enjoyed many years of dancing polka with his wife, Millie. He grew up helping his father on the farm and carried his strong work ethic throughout his life. He worked as a lineman for GTE for 35 years before retiring, and over his lifetime, he also worked at the Elsie/Ovid milk plants, Oldsmobile manufacturing plant, Indian Trails, and Fujitsu. In addition to his work, he was part of restoration efforts after Hurricane Hugo hit South Carolina, volunteered for several years as a fireman for the Whitfield Fire Department, and served on the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue pension board for nine years. Beyond his hard work, John had a passion for aviation. He always dreamed of flying an airplane, and his wife, Millie, made that dream come true by gifting him flight lessons for his 45th birthday. He started lessons, studied, and obtained his private pilot's license in 1990. When he wasn't flying, he was attending air shows, out on the golf course, or building something at home. John truly loved his family and was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was always ready and willing to help anyone, saw the best in people, and made friends wherever he went. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church. Interment will follow immediately in the church garden. In lieu of flowers, contributions in John's memory may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation or to the charity of your choice.