John W. Somero Obituary

#Middlebury #Obituary

Beloved coach, husband, father and grandfather

John W. Somero, 76, of Middlebury passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was the loving husband of Anne (Ballarin) Somero.

John was born December 26, 1943, in Peterborough, New Hampshire, a son of the late Walter and Dorothea (Ryans) Somero. He graduated from Appleton Academy in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, and Lyndon State College in Vermont with a degree in mathematics. He also received his master’s degree in vocational education from Central Connecticut State University.

He served 3 years in the U.S. Navy stationed aboard the U.S.S Ticonderoga during the Gulf of Tonkin incident of the Vietnam War. He was a teacher/basketball coach at Holmdel High School in New Jersey and Newark State University before moving to the Region 15 school district. He is best known for coaching Pomperaug High’s 1979-80 boy’s basketball team to the state championship, but successfully coached boys and girls at every level, including Nonnewaug High School girls to a 20-0 season in 2007. He presently was the owner of John W. Somero Insurance Services in Woodbury, Connecticut.

John was a member of the Middlebury Congregational Church, where he served on the Board of Deacons, Church Council, and stewardship. He also was a member of the American Legion Post 195, Oakville.

He especially loved his friends at Watertown Golf Club and enjoyed vacations in the Palm Beaches, Florida. He also spent 10 years at a second home in Breckenridge, Colorado where he skied with Anne’s encouragement.

Besides his wife of 37 years, he leaves his son, Troy J. Somero, and daughter-in-law, Samantha, of Fairfield, Connecticut; daughter Audrey L. Somero of Astoria, Queens, New York; his loving grandson, Peter Somero; a sister, Linda Kivela and her husband, Billy, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire; an aunt, Barbara Bracket of Walpole, New Hampshire; four nephews, two nieces, 11 grand-nieces and nephews, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter Somero.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services and a life celebration will be held in the spring at Middlebury Congregational Church at a date and time to be determined. Burial will be private at the family’s convenience. Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home in Waterbury, Connecticut has been entrusted with handling John’s arrangements.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Middlebury Congregational Church, 1242 Whittemore Road, Middlebury, CT 06762

For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.