Obituary of Joseph Anthony Somma Sr.

Joseph Anthony Somma Sr. (86) of Palm Bay, Florida, died on May 2, 2021 at home after a short battle with cancer.

Joe was born to Guiseppi and Jane Somma, January 11, 1935 in Pittsburg Pennsylvania. He married Dorothy N. Somma (Dottie) May 16, 1965. This was the moment he became a dad.

Joe graduated from McKees Rocks High School in 1952. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Emerson Palmer College in Nevada in 1968.

Jose served in the United States Air Force from 1953 until 1963 when he was Honorably Discharged. While in the Air Force he received an Outstanding Unit Award for exceptional meritorious service in support of military operations in the unique repair performance of the Minuteman 2 missile project.

After leaving the military, Joe went to work for the Civil Service. His primary title was Logistics Management Specialist. He worked at Fort Belvoir Research and Development Center at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He received a multitude of awards and recognitions before retiring after 30 years of service.

The years following Joe’s retirement were filled with many more accomplishments. He was a crossing guard in Palm Bay for 15 years and was known as the “Crossing Santa”. Every year he dressed as Santa and loved escorting the children at the crossing. He spent 10 years volunteering for the Palm Bay Polte Department as a V-COP (Volunteer Citizen Observation Patrol). Joe was known as “Mr. Palm Bay” after being chosen to represent Palm Bay at the All American City competition in Washington DC.

Joe loved playing golf. His favorite course to play was Palm Gardens in Melbourne. It was here that he had a once in a lifetime experience. He was 79 years old and made 2 holes in one in a single game. Joe also belonged to a group of friends who called themselves ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out). This group of men became the very best friends. Over the past few weeks his friends visited several times. He would light up when they would come in. He loved each and every one of them dearly. Joe also enjoyed volunteering at Promise in Brevard thrift store. He worked there for several years.

Joe is survived by his children: daughter Vicky Hagan (Johnny) of Bridgewater, VA; daughter Peggy Tomin (Marvin) of Palm Bay, FL; daughter Robin Fines (Glenn) of Fredericksburg, VA; son Joe Somma-Devfin (Brian) of Palm Bay, FL; daughter Angi Ferry (Bob) of Palm Bay, FL; his daughter Gerber of Palm Bay, FL.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Eric Kearns, Charlie Hagan (Sarah), Emily Garrison (James), Casey Fines (Kelly), Brandi Smith (Cris), Nikki Ferry, Carley Fines, Jordan Gerber, Addley Gerber, and Bentky Somma. His great grandchildren: Kenny Brown, Konner Kearns, Aden Kearns, Erica Kearns, Savannah Hagan, Madelyn Hagan, Charlotte Allen, Everleigh Allen, Kennedy Smith, Wren Fines and due in June Skylar Garrison. He also survived by his sister Donna Brown of McKees Rocks, PA, many nieces and nephews, and his very best friend in life Donna Bress of West Melbourne, FL.

Joe was preceded  in death by his parents Guiseppi and Jane Somma, his wife Dottie Somma, his granddaughter Jamie Callahan, his brother Richie Somma and his sister Lolo Schawalt.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, May 15, family will receive friends at 9:30 AM and the service will start at 11:00 AM. It will be held at the Heritage Baptist Church located at 700 Hollywood Blvd. West Melbourne, where he as a member. The service officiant will be Pastor Rylan Millett. Joe’s ashes will later be buried at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s name can be made to Promise in Brevard. By check: Promise Inc., 4105 Norfolk Parkway, West Melbourne Florida 32904; or online at:   https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/PromiseInBrevardInc/DonatetoPromise.html