Hubert Wertheim Salomonson

Groton - Hubert Wertheim Salomonson, 90, of Groton and Vero Beach, Fla., died on March 21, 2007.

He was born Oct. 5, 1916, the son of Isabelle Lewis Salomonson of Wellesley, Mass., and Maurice W. Salomonson, of Newton, Mass., a prominent Boston Gothic architect. He attended local schools, Newton High and Boston University, where he enjoyed track, swimming and golf, in addition to his studies.

Hubert married Thelma Ann Larsen in Nantucket, Mass., on July 23, 1937.

In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and was commissioned 2nd lieutenant. He was on the 4th boat landing at Utah Beach, Normandy. Following World War II, he was discharged honorably with the rank of captain.

Mr. Salomonson was employed by Schlitz Brewing Co. in 1947, as regional sales manager of New England. In 1954, he became a Schlitz distributor in New London, as the owner of Tri-County Distributors, Inc. He became a distributor of Anheuser-Busch products in 1964 and continued in this enterprise until 1998. At the age of 83, after 53 years in the beer distribution business, he retired and sold the company assets. During the course of his career, he served on the District Wholesale Advisory Committee for Anheuser-Busch Companies and was pleased to be an award winning wholesaler for Anheuser-Busch for 35 years.

Mr. Salomonson was actively involved with the Pequot Council of Boy Scouts during his career. He further served his community by being a member of the Executive Committee of the New London Chamber of Commerce, an advocate of the United Way and member of the Navy League. He was also a member of the Bethel Park Masonic Lodge, the Lions Club, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Eagles Club, and the Elks Club. In addition, he was a former member of the New London Country Club, Black Hall Country Club of Old Lyme and the Stonington Country Club.

He enjoyed a life-long love of sailing and boating. Pursuing that interest, he was a former member of the Thames Yacht Club of New London and served as commodore from 1962 to 1964.

Hugh is survived by his wife of 69 years, Thelma; son, Peter W. Salomonson of Waterford and his wife Debra; son, Stephen W. Salomonson of North Stonington; granddaughter, Holly A. Donovan and grandson, Matthew W. Salomonson, both of Atlanta, Ga.; granddaughter, Heather A. Salomonson of New Haven and granddaughter, Stephanie A. Korzeniewski of Montville; and five great-grandchildren.

Interment will be in Nantucket, Mass., at the convenience of the family.

Donations may be made to VNA Hospice of Indian River County, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL, 32960, in memory of Mr. Salomonson.