Plan for the Future
Robert P. Sommer, 78, of Chatham Township, N.J., passed away on Friday, September 29, 2017, at Morristown Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
Robert was born on June 12, 1939, in Passaic, N.J. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Eleanor (nee Keenan) Sommer.
He received his bachelor of arts degree from Davis & Elkins College, in Elkins, W.Va., where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.
Bob owned and operated T. M. Ward Coffee, Inc. The company, established in 1869, is in its fourth generation of being family-owned and -operated. With locations in Newark and Chatham, N.J., and Norwalk, Conn., it is a true testament to Bob’s strong work ethic and business acumen. Nothing rivaled Bob’s love for T.M. Ward Coffee, except his family, as he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
In his spare time, he stayed active by playing tennis and basketball. He enjoyed watching boxing. Bob collected coins and stamps and appreciated good music. In addition, he loved spending time in Vermont and gardening.
He was a former member of Fairmount Country Club and Copper Springs Club.
Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Axlyn B. Sommer. He was the loving father of four children; Jeffrey W. (Annie), Scott P. (Cassy), Robert P., Jr. (Jenny) and Traci S. Stanard (Todd). He was the cherished grandfather of Trenon, Taithn, Johannes, Zachary, Will, Ebba and Charlie.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, N.J. 07928. A funeral service will be take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Presbyterian Church at New Providence, 1307 Springfield Ave., New Providence, N.J. 07974. An interment will follow at Fair Mount Cemetery, Chatham, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Humane Society and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.