Chapter Eternal - Alan J. Sommerville Jr. '39
Alan J. Sommerville Jr. '39We have been honored to call him our Brother. The condolences of Theta Chi’s extended worldwide family are offered to the family and friends of our deceased brother.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of:
Alan J. Sommerville Jr. '39
Alan John Sommerville passed away at home in Camp Hill, PA, on August 23.
Born on April 10, 1917, he was the son of the late Alan and Elizabeth (Snedden) Sommerville of Patton, PA, the town where he grew up.
Alan graduated from the Pennsylvania State College (now University) in 1939 and was a member of the Omega Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. He served in the 70th Army Force Base Unit of the U.S. Army as a meteorologist and weather observer during World War II. He and his family came to settle in Central Pennsylvania in 1955 and became members of the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Camp Hill. He retired from the (formerly known as) Department of Forests and Waters in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As Chief Water Resources Development Engineer, Alan was an integral part of the Director of the Department's inner team, specializing in writing speeches, legal documents and technical articles, and representing the state as a liaison for various inter- and intra-state commissions and compacts.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, (together 70), Florence K.; a son, Alan J. Sommerville and his wife, Sharon of Halifax; a daughter, Barbara S. Wilson of Camp Hill; a grandson, James A. Sommerville; a granddaughter, Kathryn Wilson-Rulli and her husband, Fred of Harrisburg; a great-grandson and granddaughter, Giovanni and Kara Rulli; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth and Janet.
Alan was a remarkable man, completely devoted to his family, with whom he loved spending time, whether at the beach or rock-hounding or any number of fun-filled adventures. He enjoyed reading, coin and stamp collecting and gardening. All that he did, he did for his family and he will be sorely missed by all who knew this very special man.
Private family services were held in the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 20, where a niche in the Columbarium will be Alan's final resting place.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, P.O. Box 266, Enola, PA 17025.
Arrangements were handled by Hetrick Funeral Home, Inc., 3125 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109.