Matthew J. Somers, Jr.

Philadelphia, PA

Age 77

19422020

On Saturday, February 22, 2020, Matthew J. Somers, Jr., loving husband, father, brother, uncle, pop-pop, and friend passed away at Carolyn’s House, Hospice House of Central PA, in Harrisburg, PA, at 77 years old.

Matt was born on August 23, 1942, in Philadelphia, PA, to Matthew and Anne (Anderson) Somers, Sr. They relocated from the Philadelphia area to the Abington area when Matt was young. Matt married the love of his life / “his honey”, JoanMarie (Flowers) on May 13, 1964. Eventually, as husband and wife, they bought the house where Matt grew up in. Together, they raised two children: Michael (Flora) and Katie (Amy.) He served our country in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1964-1966. He was a sharpshooter and intel specialist in the infantry division. Upon arrival home, Matt went to work for IBM for over 30 years before retiring. He worked in the Philadelphia, Valley Forge and Fort Washington locations. As Matt said, IBM stood for “I’ve Been Moved.” Matt was active in the Ardsley-North Hills Athletic Association (ANHAA) for many years as President, Board Member, and Coach. He was also an active supporting member of the Queen of Peace Mother’s Club. With his wife and their friends, they organized and facilitated many fundraisers for the parish. Most memorable was the Annual New Year’s Eve dance. He also was elected and served Abington Township in the early 80s as Commissioner of Ward 9.

Matt was a man of few words. If he wasn’t at an ANHAA or Q of P function, he was taking on side jobs, such as painting and handyman work. He even bought, fixed up and sold used cars from his home. He had such a reputation for doing that, the state said if he sold one more car, he’d have to get a license as a used car dealer (his family always found humor in that.) By the mid-’80s, Matt and his family were bit by the camping bug. They were long-term, weekend residents, of River Beach II Campground in Mays Landing, NJ. This is where Matt was truly happy until the boat would break down and had to be either towed or rowed to the shore. Finally, he had a place to tinker on boats and things related to the family camper. The family spent many, many years at RBII Campground.

Matt was proceeded in death by his wife, JoanMarie, his father, Matthew Sr., his mother, Anne, his stepmother, Doris. He is survived by his children, Michael (Flora) and Katie (Amy.) In addition, he leaves behind his five grandchildren, Ela (Somers), Sarah (Somers), Aidan (Barrow-Somers), Brendan (Barrow-Somers) and Connor (Barrow-Somers) and his brother, James (Linda), and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 29th from 11am-12pm and a memorial service at 12pm at the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, 507 West Avenue, Jenkintown, PA, 19046.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Carolyn’s House, Hospice House of Central PA, 1701 Linglestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17110. Condolences: www.McGoldrickFH.com

Services

  1. Feb29
    Viewing 11:00am – 12:00pm
    Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home
    507 West Avenue, Jenkintown, PA, 19046

  1. Feb29
    Memorial 12:00pm
    Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home
    507 West Avenue, Jenkintown, PA, 19046