Robert N. Somerville

Williamsport- Robert N. Somerville, 88, passed away Friday, February 9, 2007 at The Williamsport Home. He was the husband of Elizabeth A. (Parsons) Lyle Somerville for 30 years. Born June 30, 1918 in Sayre, PA to John and Katherine (Merrill) Somerville. A lifelong resident of the city, he is a graduate of Williamsport High School. He attended Grove City College and Winona School of Photography. He was a cost accountant at Bell Aircraft Corp. in Buffalo, NY until he entered the Army Air Force as a flight instructor during WWII. He returned to Williamsport to take over Somerville Studio, a portrait photography business established by his parents. After 35 successful years, he entered politics and was elected City Controller in 1971. In 1976, he closed his studio and was chosen to be the Administrative Assistant to Senator Henry Hager. After the retirement of Mr. Hager, Robert continued in his political career by working for Senator Roger Madigan as Administrative Aide. Robert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and has been an Elder and a Deacon. In addition to Elizabeth, he is survived by a son, John Somerville of S. Williamsport; a stepson, Robert Lyle of Weehawken, NJ; two daughters, Susan (Daniel) Fletcher of Montoursville, and Kate Somerville of Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Richard Somerville Jr., Jennifer Fletcher Schildt, Christine Fletcher Haines; and four great grandchildren. His first wife, Virginia Somerville; a son, Richard Somerville; and a sister, Phyllis Hayes, preceded him. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, Inc., 331 Elmira St., Williamsport is handling the arrangements.