Date: Fri 31-Jul-1998

Publication: Ant

Author: CAROLL

Quick Words:

Sommer

Full Text:

Robert Frank Sommer, Maine Dealer

SEARSPORT, ME. -- Robert Sommer, an antiques dealer who owned the Pumpkin

Patch in Searsport with his wife, Phyllis, died on June 11 at his home from

diabetic complications.

For the past five years, he faced with courage and grace a succession of

set-backs due to diabetes. His expressed wish was to see his son, Tim,

graduate from high school and this he was able to do.

Sommer was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on January 14, 1942, the third child of

Rudolph and Philomena Sommer. He graduated from Brooklyn College and did his

graduate work at the University of Illinois. He taught, coached basketball and

was a college adviser in Harlem and the Bronx. He was a passionate advocate

for his students and for all children's rights.

In 1975, the Sommers moved to Searsport and opened the Pumpkin Patch Antiques.

Bob taught himself to be an authority on country furniture and developed a

very sophisticated sensibility. Eventually the Pumpkin Patch became a

well-known group shop with a reputation for integrity and good taste.

In 1985, Bob returned to teaching in Belfast, Me. He also tutored in the

migrant education program and coached boy's basketball at Crosby Junior High.

He loved and excelled in coaching, imparting critical life skills and healthy

attitudes to his students.

Bob is survived by his wife and two sons, Matthew and Timothy, of Searsport,

and his mother, Philomena, of New York. A tribute to his warmth and caring

took place on Saturday, June 13, at the First Congregational Church in

Searsport. His oldest friend, Ezra Satz, spoke of his integrity. His brother,

George, spoke of his love. Friends joined the family in their grief and in

their respect for his life-affirming courage, humor and spirituality.

Those who wish to do so may contribute a gift in his memory to the charity of

their choice or to their local library.