W. Paul Somers, Jr.

William Paul Somers, Jr., 87, loving and devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Linwood, NJ, he grew up a beach kid, spending his childhood running around on his grandfather’s commercial fishing boats out of Wildwood, NJ until he became old enough to join the crew and cast out the nets himself. He has since been a lifelong Morrisville resident where he met his wife and together, raised three daughters. He found great joy in carving decoys. If he wasn’t working on a house project, you could find Paul in “Pop’s Shop”. There he’d be at his work bench, proud to show you the newest duck he’d been working on. His passion as a craftsman was only a small portion of what made this man who he was. He was a detailed storyteller, always had a joke up his sleeve, and was extremely dedicated to his family.  

A proud Veteran of the United States Army, he was a member of the Knowles-Doyle American Legion Post # 317 in Yardley, as well as the NRA. You’d never find him without his Army vet ball cap on. Among his hobbies, he was an avid fisherman, collected and carved decoy ducks, and was a member of the New Jersey Decoy Collector’s Association. His family history runs from Somers Point, NJ as far as Cape May, therefore, he was an active member of the Linwood Historical Society. Prior to his retirement, he was employed as a communications installer for Western Electric, later becoming Alcatel-Lucent, from which he retired in 1998.   He was also a member of the Morrisville United Methodist Church in Morrisville, PA.

Paul was the beloved husband of 64 years to Carol E. (Malmsbury); loving father to three daughters Deborah Somers (Randy Sanchez) of Quakertown, PA, Beverly DeFelice (Gary) Red Bank, NJ and Janice Ballantine of Hillsborough, NJ; a sister Nancy Marienski of Northfield, NJ, five grandchildren Keith (Katie) Lash, Sarah DeFelice, Adam Trejo, Christopher (Kirstin) DeFelice and Lindsay Trejo, a great granddaughter, Emma Lash, and several nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by his parents, the late William Paul and Ruth (Aspenberg) Somers.

Family and friends are invited to call from 9:30-11:00am on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at the Morrisville United Methodist Church, 501 W. Maple Ave., Morrisville, PA 19067, followed by a Church Service and luncheon.  His burial in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Linwood Historical Society (www.linwoodnj.org) or memorial contributions in Mr. Somers’ name to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).   

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, Morrisville, PA.