Joseph R. Sommer

Joseph R. Sommer, 61, of Whitehall, PA. passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2019 in his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Jean (Sharkazy) Sommer, with whom he celebrated 28 years of marriage in October 2018.  Born in Allentown, PA., he was the son of Joseph G. and Patricia (Betz) Sommer, Coplay, PA.  Joe was a 1975 graduate of Whitehall High School.  He then went on to graduate from Muhlenberg College, and later earned his MBA from DeSales University.  He was employed for 16 years as a General Manager for Carpenter Co., Fogelsville, PA. Prior to that, he worked as a Quality Control Manager for the former C R Bearing Seals Div., Bethlehem, PA. Joe was a long-time member of St. Mary's Parish in Catasauqua. He was a devout Catholic and never missed a Saturday Mass. He loved yard work, gardening, and being outside, playing cards, walking his beloved puppies, and going for coffee runs. He was a Penn State football fan, but also enjoyed watching Eagles Football, the Phillies and the Sixers. However, above all, Joe cherished his time with his family; going for walks in the park with Jean, visiting the Farmer's Market with his children, and Sunday lunches with Grammy and Grandpop. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In addition to his loving wife and parents, survivors include one son, Elijah R. Sommer, at home; three daughters, Gabrielle R., wife of Jacob Donchez, Grantham, NH., Hannah E. Sommer, at home, and Kristin Sommer, Whitehall, PA.; three brothers, Jeffrey (Janice) Sommer, Whitehall, PA., Christopher Sommer, Coplay, PA., and Timothy (Sara) Sommer, Whitehall, PA.; two sisters, Sandra, wife of Randy Knecht, Nazareth, PA., and Charlotte, wife of Timothy Minnich, Walnutport, PA.; several nieces and nephews; and two fur-children, Sasha and Sophie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:30 AM. Saturday, July 6, 2019 at St. Mary’s Church, 122 Union Street Catasauqua, PA 18032, calling hours will be from 9:00-11:15 AM. Father John Krivak will be the celebrant. Interment to follow the Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Catasauqua. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name can be sent to the Peter Latos Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc. C/O Dennis Latos 15-54216 Street Bayside, NY 11360 AND/OR St. Mary’s Church sent directly to the church address above.  (It is suggested that you please consider car-pooling due to the limited parking at the church. There will be some additional parking at the Rock Hill Concrete parking lot on Union Street)

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