Francis Sommers

Francis "Mick" Sommers Feb 21, 1933 - Dec. 5, 2010 Mick, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 5, 2010 after a short but valiant fight against pulmonary fibrosis. Mick was born February 21, 1933 in El Paso, Texas, moved to Berkeley in 1945, attended the School of the Madeleine for the 8th grade, graduated from Saint. Mary's College High School in 1950 and UC Berkeley in 1956. Mick worked for the City of Oakland for over 30 years. Mick was truly a "Renaissance Man" living his varied life to the fullest. He enjoyed opera, costumes, fantasy sports, card playing with grandkids, his bridge, poker and rook groups, attending track and field events even at the Olympics, annual vacations in beautiful Mendocino with his family. He was a smooth dancer, Irish tenor voice, avid movie buff, dedicated CYO coach, a lifelong Cal Bears supporter, a Supernumerary for the San Francisco Opera for 18 years participating in 21 productions, and was an Irishman who could drink Vodka like a Russian. Mick is survived by his sweetheart of 61 years, wife of 55 years, Helen, his son Michael (Lori), his daughters Kathleen and Anne Marie, daughter-in-law Shirley, Kurtis Smith, his 9 grandchildren, Karen, Kevin, Demetrius, Miya, Justin, Alyssa, Rachel, Austin, Kenji and other loving extended family members. Recently preceded in death by his son Brian. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. with Rosary and reception following. St. Mary Magdalen Church 2005 Berryman Street, Berkeley. Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the same church. Reception following Mass. Donations in his honor can be made to Saint Mary's College High School, 1294 Albina Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94706 or Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 811 W Evergreen Ave., Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60642.