Walter Franklin “Wally” Somerfield, Jr., 84

April 18, 2020

Walter Franklin Somerfield, Jr. died April 18, 2020 at the J. Calvin Wenger Center at Pleasant View Communities in Penn Township, Lancaster County after an illness of three months. Walter was the husband of Rosemarie M. Felsinger Somerfield. They were married April 21, 1984 in Lancaster County and lived on Bentley Ridge Blvd. in East Lampeter Township.

Walter was born on November 8, 1935 in Lancaster County, a son of Walter Franklin, Sr. and Mary Buckwalter Somerfield, the last of nine children. He attended the public schools of Lancaster City and graduated from John Piersol McCaskey High School in 1953. Walter began working at the Armstrong Cork Factory on New Holland Avenue. This later became the Kerr Glass Manufacturing Company, where he made caps for bottles. He later worked as a security guard for the same company until it closed. This is where he met his wife, Rosemarie.

Walter was earlier an avid bowler and for years bowled on the Kerr Glass league every Friday night at Rocky Springs. He was also a big baseball and football fan. His favorite teams were the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Greg and Wally talked about the Phillies all the time. He also played golf, enjoyed nature, and loved his pets. He loved classic movies and old television shows.

Walter always made everybody laugh. He made anyone feel welcome and safe, especially family and neighbors. He understood the Bible well and thoroughly believed in it. His loved ones believe that is what helped him through his life. When Wally was at Pleasant View Rehab, he would, during his better days, sing a song to everyone that treated him. When Jessica came in, he had no memory of a song that included the name Jessica, so he made one up. Jessica said he was the best patient she ever had.

From his first marriage were born the following children: Deborah A. Somerfield, wife of William W. Middleton, East Petersburg; Daniel R. Somerfield, now deceased, partner of Dorothy Nesinger, formerly of Elizabethtown; Jeffrey D. Somerfield, East Lampeter; and, Mark R. Somerfield, Mountville, formerly of Maryland. Grandchildren: Charles W. Middleton and Michelle A. Middleton; Mary, daughter of Daniel R. Somerfield; Allison J. Somerfield, wife of Skyler Major, and Alexander R. Somerfield, all of Maryland. Great-grandchild: Blake P. Middleton.

From his second marriage are the following step-children: Robert J. Alexander, Jr., husband of Sharon D’Aquino, Elkton, Maryland; and, John C. Alexander, husband of Donna J. Groff. Grandchildren: Christopher R. Alexander, husband of Melissa; Tara Alexander; Jenna Alexander, partner of Greg; Eric Weaver, husband of Heather; and, Kim Weaver. Great-grandchildren: Amella, Isabella, Kiai; Matty, Dylen, Nomi, and Kelly Weaver.

Walter was predeceased by his parents and the following siblings: Mary R. Somerfield, wife of Albert F. Staffieri; Robert P. Somerfield, husband of Nancy Welchans; William M. Somerfield, husband of Beatrice Hinze; Betty Somerfield, wife of James L. Byrd; Jean Somerfield, wife of Leroy E. Zimmerman; Raymond Somerfield; and, Annie Somerfield, wife of Donald S. Leakway. He was also predeceased by his son, Daniel R. Somerfield, who died May 8, 2019. His only surviving sibling is Leah Somerfield, wife of the late B. Frank Welk, Lancaster. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

A special thank you to the caregivers at the Penn State Hospital in Hershey, the Lancaster General Hospital, and the J. Calvin Wenger Center at Pleasant View.