John "Jack" Somers

He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Gladyce Heckel, and two nephews, William (Kathy) Hoefling, of New Providence, New Jersey, and their son, Evan Hoefling, of Florida, and R. Mark Hoefling (Joanne) of Chicago, Illinois, and a cousin, William McGee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Somers and Anna McGee and sister-in-law Betty (William) Hoefling, of Mtn. View, California.

Jack had a wonderful and satisfying career working 30 years for Maher Terminals, coordinating off-loading of merchandise from cargo ships at the waterfront docks in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He retired in 1989 and he and Gladie decided to move to a warmer climate to Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jack loved to sing in shows in Blessed Sacrament High School, where he formed acapella groups. He had 67 years singing in numerous quartets, beginning singing bass in 1948, with the Polka Dots, the Beer Steins, etc. He then joined the SPEBSQSA (Society of Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, INC.) in 1949. He joined the Plainfield Chapter, then the Linden Chapter in 1950 where he sang with the International Four. He founded the Elizabeth Chapter in 1951, then formed a Quartet Betsytown Four. He received the First Army Insignia Pins at Fort Hancock, New Jersey, in recognition of five years voluntary service entertaining the troops in the New York and New Jersey areas.

At the Elizabeth Chapter’s summer picnic in 1958, Jack met Gladie, who was a Sweet Adeline. He pursued her for three years and they were married December 10, 1961. In 1962 Jack joined the Iselin Chapter and was an active member until his move to Raleigh. In 1963 he joined the Boutonnieres Quartet and sang from Chicago North to Poughkeepsia and as far south as Florida. The quartet was twice crowned champions, first and second place two years in a row for the Royal Order of Moose International. He was appointed to be the first area counselor of the suburban area, which covered five states. He was elected to the DELASUSQUEHUDMAC Club, the honor club of the Mid-Atlantic district. Then he joined the” Four On The Town Quartet”-Two Jacks And Two Bills, singing all over the East Coast, from Pennsylvania to Florida. After moving to Raleigh, he became a member of the RTP Chapter, Greater Assembly Chorus, in Raleigh his quartet was the Elder-Baris.

He was a life member until present of the Moose, a life time member of the Elks, The 55 Plus Club, the Lake Lynn Senior Club, and was an active member of the Saint Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church, wearing many hats as a greeter, reader, Eucharistic Minister and member of the choir.

With Polio at age two and post-Polio, he never held himself back until he became wheelchair bound at about age 80, when he got Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS), he never lost his will to fight to beat them both with a positive attitude until the end came.

His intellect and extreme wit and repertoire of jokes were rare. Jack loved everyone and everyone loved him. There will never be another Jack Somers.

His wife wishes to thank Randy B., Becky A., and Uchenna O., who extended his life two years at home, and neighbors and friends. Cremation was made by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Millbrook Road, Raleigh. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2015, at Saint Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5801 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, with visitation from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M., with the memorial service beginning at 3:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, please contact his spouse regarding a contribution towards a memorial in Jack’s name.