Search by Name

Search by Name

Lloyd Somogyi Obituary

Lloyd Edward Somogyi, 92, passed away Friday, Nov. 5, 2010. He was born in San Francisco in August 1918, the son of Rose and Leo Somogyi, Hungarian immigrants. Lloyd graduated from Berkeley High School in 1935, attended and graduated with honors, Phi Beta Kappa from the University of California at Berkeley; thereafter attended law school at Boalt Hall at UC Berkeley. His graduation from law school was interrupted by World War II and he served as a U.S. Army Officer from 1942 until he retired at the rank of Major in 1978. During his military service, he served as a paratrooper with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions in the European theater. At the time of his retirement from military service, Lloyd was serving as a legal officer with the Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Army Reserve with the 444th and earlier with the 633 2nd Civil Affairs Military Govt. Co. Lloyd was admitted to the California State Bar on July 11, 1946, and practiced law in San Luis Obispo County for over 60 years. Initially, from 1946 to 1948, Lloyd was employed as a Deputy District Attorney for San Luis Obispo County, where he was one of three attorneys. Thereafter, he held the position of Assistant District Attorney, Chief Trial Deputy from 1948 to 1950, for that same office. Lloyd ran the Public Defenders Office in San Luis Obispo County from 1962 to 1964. Otherwise, Lloyd was in private practice in San Luis Obispo County until he retired at age 88. He loved practicing law, had a strong work ethic and was a zealous advocate for his clients. He was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and the San Luis Obispo Elks Club. Lloyd is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley Ruth Somogyi; sons John L. Somogyi of San Luis Obispo and Edward L. Somogyi (Shannon) of Atascadero; daughters Rachel M. Toman (Steve Toman) of San Diego, Calif., and Rosemary Somogyi of San Luis Obispo; and grandchildren Leah E. Somogyi and Jack E. Somogyi, both of Atascadero. A memorial service to honor the life of Lloyd E. Somogyi will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, 1701 Fredricks Street in San Luis Obispo. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice Partners of San Luis Obispo or Woods Humane Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Nov. 11, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lloyd Somogyi

Not sure what to say?





Lori Hall

December 5, 2010

Dear Shirley, John, Ed, Rachel and Rosemary,
I will never forget my growing up years and all the time spent at your house. I will forever remember Lloyd sitting at the round white 1970's dining table with a dictaphone in his hand and a stack of files on the table, Shirley cooking in the kitchen and Hungarian classical music (as I recall) playing in the background. I've never known a man who worked as much as Lloyd. I recall hearing stories of him sitting under a palm tree while on vacation with his family still working on files. His clients surely got taken great care of and as driven to work as he was, I remember him attending Rachel's school play and taking you all on wonderful Summer vacations. In later years, it was wonderful to see you all celebrating his birthdays at Cafe Roma and Buona Tavola. I'm glad we were able to see each other and so happy he was able to see Rachel get married. A long and full life he had and a wonderful family he had to share it with. Steve and I were out of town and am sorry we missed his services. All the best, Lori (Mainini) & Stephen Hall

rod monroe

November 23, 2010

ed your dad was a true icon of san luis obispo, how proud you must be of him and all his accomplishments so sorry to hear of his passing, your lucky to have such a person to have looked up too, much sorrow rod monroe

Angela McNulty

November 23, 2010

Lloyd was a brilliant and tenacious attorney. I am honored to have known him and admire him both as a person and for the life he lead. May peace be with all of you during this difficult time.

Christopher Helenius

November 16, 2010

Ed,

Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I never met a harder working lawyer. There were times back in the 1970s when I would be working late into the night, not leaving our office on Santa Rosa St. until midnight. Your father on every such occasion was in his office across the street working even later. I would share stories with my partner Jim Smith who pulled many more late nighters than I. He reported that Lloyd routinely outlasted him as well. He gave his all to the representation of his clients and then some.

With kind regards,

Christopher Helenius

Will McKnight

November 15, 2010

Ed & family: What a wonderful life your father lived. While I had never met him, in reading his obituary, I could not help but smile with amazement as to all the wonderful things he had experienced with his time here on earth. And I know all of that is nothing in comparison to what's next on his fantastic spiritual journey.

Will McKnight

P.S. Below is one of my favorite poems about life and transition.

-----

The existence of ours is as transient as autumn clouds

To watch the birth and death of beings...
... is like looking at the movements of a dance

A lifetime is like a flash if lightning in the sky...
rushing BY like a torrent down a steep mountain

We have STOPPED for a moment to encounter each other:
- to meet
- to love
- to share...

AND This IS a precious moment - but it is transient...

It is a little parenthesis in eternity...

If we share with caring, lightheadedness and love..
we will create abundance and joy for each other...

... And then this moment will have been worthwhile.

Susie Norris

November 14, 2010

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Somogyi's passing. I remember as a little girl having slumber parties with Rosemary and our little friends at their house. They are good memories. RIP.

Myrna Peterson

November 13, 2010

In court, during my third jury trial on a criminal charge, I heard a stage whisper behind me, "She should hire Somogyi, she needs a real lawyer!" The courtroom was quiet, then nervous laughter. Judge Conklin ignored the incident, but truer words were never spoken.

Michael Case

November 13, 2010

Eddie, I know how much you admired your Dad's work ethic, integrity and commitment. Your stature and the respect you've earned is a testiment to his enduring legacy. I also know how much your Mom loved Lloyd and sacreficed for him and his career. Please accept my condolescences.

Lawrence Mora

November 13, 2010

Dear Mrs. Somogyi and family. Your husband was my attorney for over 15 years going thru my divorce. He was always up beat, friendly, encouraging, hard working, and the very best of a real true friend during my ordeal. May God Bless all of you and Lloyd on his journey to heaven. Lawrence M. Mora

Ann Williams

November 12, 2010

He was a very good man when I new him about 43 year ago I wish the Family all my best and he will be miss.

Matt Morris

November 12, 2010

Ed....my regards to you and your family. Your Pop will be missed by everyone.

Jill Legge

November 12, 2010

Hi Ed, just by chance i was looking for Coach Prijatel and saw your Dad had passed - boy he worked until he was 88 - what a Champ! I know you have followed in his steps ... so hang in there you only have another 30 some years to work... I have thought about you at times when I look at old swimming pictures and remember how fun it was and brutal.... It was those times that made me a bit tougher and more dedicated for sure. At this time Be Strong for your family and especially your Mom! My thoughts and prayers go out to you in this most difficult time. We go way back to Pacheco (wow 6th grade), Your Good ole swimming buddy - Lots of Prayers !!
ps. I bet the day you said you were going to follow in your Dad's footsteps he was beaming ear to ear - Remember those good times!

Bonnie Heifetz

November 12, 2010

Dearest Shirley and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We will always remember your friendship with our parents, Lee and Estelle Balatti. May the good you do for others return to you and your family and sustain you in the loss of your wonderful husband and father. With our love always,
Leonard and Bonnie Balatti Heifetz

Opal Bridgman

November 12, 2010

To the Family of Mr. Somogyi,
My deepest sympathy to your family. Mr. Somogyi was there for me went I needed him so much. He was the only person who knew how to help and he did. I will truely miss him.
Most sincerely,
Opal Bridgman

Gerald Mason

November 12, 2010

Lloyd was devoted to the interest of his clients and he earned their complete loyalty. My condolences to his family.

November 12, 2010

To Ed Somogyi and family:I'm sorry for the loss of your father.He must have been a great inspiration for you.Sincerly,Bill Zuber.

Virginia Thomas

November 12, 2010

It was my good luck and an honor to have had the privilege of working for this outstanding gentleman for over 40 years.

Robert Tidalgo

November 11, 2010

Sorry to hear of Lloyd's passing. This man saved my bacon in 1974. So glad to have known you.

November 11, 2010

One of the greatest icons of my profession has passed away. I will never forget him. He gets a complete chapter in the History of San Luis Obispo Law. A true warrior. Fearless. Even clients were intimidated by him. My condolences to the entire family and especially to Ed, my lawyer, who, for those who have not noticed, was blessed with Lloyd's fearless spirit.

Ilan Funke-Bilu

mitch cooney

November 11, 2010

A true gentleman ... he added a lot to life and it was my privledge to have known him.

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Lloyd Somogyi's name

Memorial Events
for Lloyd Somogyi

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Lloyd's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Lloyd Somogyi's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more