Mert Somers, 96
Dan McClelland
Former long time Tupper Lake resident Murtha (Mert) Somers passed away peacefully at home in Newport News, Virginia on February 3rd at age 96.
Mert was born in Tupper Lake the eldest son of Thomas and Violet Somers. After serving in the Army Air Corp during World War II he attended St Lawrence University. He married the former Mary Edna Paiement in 1947.
Mert managed Somers Garage, the Ford, Lincoln Mercury Dealership established by his father in 1916 as well as Somers Auto Parts. He was active in local affairs as a long-term member and past president of The Lions Club, a member of the Rescue Squad and the Potter Brook Hunting Club. Mert enjoyed Big Tupper Ski Area from its beginning. After retiring, he and Edna spent their later years in Florida and then Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Marion Slingerland. Mert is survived by his wife Edna of Newport News Virginia, his brother Thomas and his wife Carolyn of Poinciana, FL., Three children; Patricia of Newport News, Michael and his wife Paula of Valrico, FL and John and his wife Beth of Penn Yan, NY, as well as 5 grandchildren and many great grand-children.
A service will be held in Tupper Lake at a later date.