Joseph Patrick Sommers

Joseph Patrick Sommers, 77, of Summit Hill, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the widower of Lorraine M. (Phillips) Sommers, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage.

Born October 18, 1946, in Coaldale, he was a son of the late Patrick T. and Helen V. (Bell) Sommers.

Joe was a 1964 graduate of Summit Hill High School, and a 1969 graduate of the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.

Very proud of his career, Joe was a Pennsylvania state trooper, serving his community for 38 years, retiring in 2006. He was stationed at Somerset, PA Turnpike, Swiftwater, Fern Ridge, and ended his career in Lehighton Troop N in the crime unit.  He was awarded “PA State Trooper of the Year” in 1996.

Joe enjoyed life and especially loved spending time with his family.  An avid reader, he loved history books.  Joe enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, traveling with his daughters to the beach, watching his grandchildren at their sporting events, spending time with his dogs, and journaling.  

He is survived by his two loving daughters: Colleen M., wife of Jorge A.  Acevedo of South Heidelberg Township, and Melissa A. Sommers, wife of Robert M. Breslin of Summit Hill.  

Also surviving are his four grandchildren: Aidan Joseph Acevedo, Caroline Colleen Breslin, Isabella Emily Lauren Acevedo, and Kathryn Maryn Breslin.

In addition, he is survived by his brother, Louis Sommers, husband of Barbara of Summit Hill, as well as several nephews, a niece, and cousins.

Joe was preceded in death by his brother Francis Sommers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, June 3rd at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph of the Panther Valley Church, 462 W. Ludlow St., Summit Hill, PA 18250.  Visitations will be held Sunday from 5-8 p.m. and Monday from 9-11 a.m., both at the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.  

Contributions can be made to Troopers Helping Troopers Foundation, 3625 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110, in memory of Joseph P. Sommers, or online Donate Now.

Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., Reading, Melissa Sommers, FD, is in charge of arrangements. 

 For online condolences, visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.