Eugene (Gene) F. Sommers, a long-time resident of Fairport, New York died peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born on February 4, 1941 to the late Dr. Raymond L. and Harriet (Haight) Sommers in Rochester, New York.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 60+ years, Cecelia (Che Che) Sommers; four children, Cyndi (Greg) Sherman, Mark (Julie) Sommers, Eric (Dr. Shirley) Sommers and Dr. Joel (Dr. Diana Medina) Sommers; seven grandchildren, Nandi, Issa, Summer, Stephen, William, Sarah and Gabriel; brothers, Raymond (Rosemary) Sommers and John (Susan) Sommers; sister, Mary Alice Passage; many nieces and nephews.
Gene grew up in Rochester, NY. As a teenager, he met the love of his life Che Che, at the St. Charles Borromeo’s youth center. He was a member of the first class to attend McQuaid Jesuit all four years (‘58). He received a B.S. from St. Bonaventure College and a MBA from RIT.
From college, Gene worked on the original Moon Program in Los Angeles, when Rocketdyne was producing the first stage engines for the Saturn Rockets along with engines for the actual Moon Lander. Moving back East, he spent the next 35 years with Xerox, mostly in the Rochester area, where he retired in December 1998.
Gene’s most important job was that of caretaker. Watching his parents care for children as part of their pediatric practice and watching them take care of his grandmother during her final days gave Gene core memories and strength to care for his parents, his mother in law, his children and most importantly his wife.
Ever faithful, he stood by Che Che’s side for over 40 years advocating for quality health care and compassion for her after she suffered a traumatic brain injury. Often frustrated and let down by the Healthcare system, he never stopped fighting for her even till the very end.
In his limited free time, Gene enjoyed golfing with his brother and friends, traveling the world with Che Che. Gene also volunteered and was the President of the Fairport Fire Department in the late 70’s.
Gene fought an aggressive form of cancer for over 12 years which left his body tired and worn. He is now resting comfortably and will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, caretakers and neighbors.
At the request of the family, services were held on Thursday, January 12, 2023.
Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Gene’s memory to the Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Comments
6 responses to “Sommers, Eugene (Gene) F.”
Words can’t describe how much he meant to me and my family. He will forever be missed, Rest In Peace
Gene was a client for many years and I enjoyed our many visits. He was always one I looked forward to meeting with and sharing a lunch. After I retired I would see Gene once in a while at Wegman’s and we would get caught up. I know how much his family meant to him and I send my condolences to you all.
Thank you Gene for showing us what true love and devotion looks like. For bringing Che Che to visit in Canada on more than one special occasion. For all the birthday cards, Christmas cards and sympathy cards you sent over the years, letting us know that no matter how far away we may be we are always family. An amazing man! Our deepest sympathies to the family, with love from your cousins in Canada ?
Gene and I traveled often with the Xerox Corporation, mostly to Japan . Many good times
Gene was cool even before we knew what it meant. My dad and his were medical docs in Rochester, so we had that bond at McQuaid. John DeSando’58.
To Gene’s family: Gene was the reliable model of the compassionate man. The world is, indeed, a better place for his having been with us. His legacy is for us to match his goodness. Phil Yawman, McQuaid 58, former Fairport resident.