Kenneth J. Somers

Kenneth J. Somers, 67, of Shepard Road, Danbury, devoted husband of Sharon (Schmidt) Somers, died at Danbury Hospital on May 13.

He was born in Danbury on April 3, 1937, son of the late Cephus and Doris (Kouhout) Somers. He was a graduate of Danbury High School, Class of 1955.

Besides his wife of 24 years, Sharon, he will be sadly missed by his daughter, Trisha Somers of Danbury; two stepdaughters Janice Paynter and her husband Daniel of Newtown, Nancy Dahlgren and her husband Kurt of Danbury; stepson, Robert J. Korzenko and his wife Julie of Georgia; seven grandchildren, Lars, Luke, Nicholas, Jessica, Melissa, Chelsea, and Monica. He is also survived by a sister, Fay Lane and her husband Gordie; mother-in-law, Monica Schmidt; and a brother-in-law, William Schmidt, Jr; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr Somers was the owner and operator of Somers Siding for more than 40 years. He was a member of the Congregational Church of Brookfield and enjoyed activities with the Danbury Lions Club, Shriners, and the Masons. He was a member of the Board of Directors for Danbury Cemetery Association. He loved boating with the Danbury Yacht Club and the East End Yacht Club of Bridgeport. He was also a member of the United States Power Squadron. In 2003 he was honored with a Sports Award by the Danbury Old Timers for his achievements in high school football and track.

Funeral services were held at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury on May 17 with Reverend Leo McIlrath officiating. Burial followed in St Peter Cemetery, Danbury.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 372 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897-2523 or the Regional Hospice, 405 Main Street, Danbury CT 06810.

The Newtown Bee        May 21, 2004