WESTFIELD: 
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Robert C. Somers, passed away October 1, 2014 at Noble Hospital at the age of 91. Born in Auburn he was the son of the late Warren and Albertine (Gallant) Somers. Bob was a WWII Fighter Pilot. He enlisted as an aviation cadet in 1943, learning to fly in a Stearman Bi-Plane and ending his military career flying the F-100 Super Sabre. He served full-time in the 104TH Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard, also serving as the Comptroller, retiring in 1979. Col. Somers received his Master’s Degree in Political Science from Auburn University while stationed in Alabama attending the Air Force War College. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus in Westfield becoming Grand Knight. He was a devoted communicant of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church in Westfield, which was like a second family to him. He served every day in his capacities as Sacristan, Lector, and Eucharistic Minister. He will be sorely missed. He was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, his high school sweetheart, Olive “Babe” Somers. He leaves his daughter, Donna Somers Peterson and her husband Everett Peterson of Southampton. Also his grandchildren, Ryan S. Peterson and his wife, Jennifer of Southampton, Scott G. Peterson of Westfield and Daniel J. Peterson of Worcester, all of whom he cherished, along with his great grandson, Dillon S. Peterson. He leaves also his sister-in-law Audrey Giles of Westfield. The burial will be private and there are no calling hours.
