I. Fred Sommers

1932 - 2022

Feb. 6, 1932 - Aug. 13, 2022 I Fred Sommers went to be with his Lord & Savior peacefully on August 13, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Fresno, CA on February 6, 1932, Fred graduated from Fresno State College in 1954, where he was President of the Student Body, played football and baseball and was inducted into the Bulldog Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. In 1953, he married his college sweetheart, Pat. That same year he signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers, playing two seasons in the organization's minor leagues, prior to entering the military. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge as an officer in the US Air Force, he joined the New York Life Insurance Company, eventually serving as General Manager of offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Fresno and Pasadena. During his thirty-five year career in the life insurance industry, he served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Los Angeles General Agents and Managers Association. He was also a Rotarian for many years, receiving the notable Paul Harris award. Beyond Fred's accomplishments, he was first and foremost a man who loved and served his Heavenly Father. He modeled what it meant to be a faithful husband, committed father, generous grandfather, and devoted friend. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Margaret Sommers, and his sister, Betty Hudson. He is survived by his beautiful bride, Pat, of 68 years, his daughters, Kimberly Chinen (Richard), Kristi Ferntheil (Bert) and son Scott (Lisa), seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Tom and sister-in-law, Barbara. In 2016, Fred and Pat moved to Monte Cedro Retirement Community, where they enjoyed meeting many new friends, but never leaving behind the memory of their Cambria home, where Fred enjoyed the beautiful ocean view and a good cigar from their terrace. He will be missed and remembered by his family for his unconditional love, his "Pearls from Papa" dedication to his grandchildren, his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Salvation Army, Door of Hope (Pasadena) or the charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cabot & Sons