Robert Wallace Somerville

- Veteran, Broadcaster, Kiwanian

and Shriner

Robert W. Somerville, 86, passed away on January 3, 2024. He was the husband of Waltraud “Wally” Somerville, who predeceased him in 2022 after 48 years of marriage.

Mr. Somerville was born on October 17, 1937 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late Walter Vincent and Madeline Wallace Somerville. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School and Post College.

He met the love of his life, Wally, on a ski trip to Massachusetts. They were married on October 18, 1974 and lived in Waterbury, CT where they raised their son, Andrew Somerville, then retired to North Port, FL in 2007.

Mr. Somerville began his broadcasting career in 1965 with WWCO in Waterbury. In 1974, he with two partners purchased WQQW, the former WBRY in Waterbury. In 1986, he sold WQQW to a group of local businessmen and shortly thereafter entered a partnership which purchased WWCO. In 1997, he sold WWCO to Buckley Broadcasting of CT.

He was a member of the CT Broadcasters Association during his radio career. He was a member of Harmony Lodge 42, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Waterbury; Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Waterbury; Lafayette Consistory, 32nd Degree, Valley of Bridgeport; Sphinx Shrine, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Newington, CT and was a past president of the Kaabans Shrine Club of Plymouth, CT.

Mr. Somerville was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Waterbury for 42 years serving two terms as President. He also served many years on the Kiwanis Club’s Board of Directors; was for many years Co-Chairman of the Kiwanis Club’s Day Camp for Special Children in Wolcott, CT.

Mr. Somerville proudly served in the US Army. He was the recipient of the Expert Rifleman Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the US Army Commendation Medal and held a Top Secret clearance.

Upon moving to Florida, Mr. Somerville joined Sahib Temple in Sarasota and the North Port Shrine Club where he served two terms as president. He also served as president of the North Port Kiwanis.

A memorial service will be held at the Sarasota Memorial Cemetery with full military honors. Mr. Somerville leaves behind a son, Andrew (Megan) Somerville, a grandson Jackson Somerville and granddaughter Veronica Somerville of Fort Myers, FL a niece, Lynn Vadas of Massachusetts. He is predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Waltraud “Wally” Somerville, and a sister, Joan Catherine Duvay.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Somerville’s name to the North Port Kiwanis Club, PO Box 7222, North Port, FL 34290.