Henry J. Sommers (Hank), 61, of Corfu, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023, at home surrounded by his family. He was born the son of Jonas Sommers and the late Anna (Shetler) Sommers in Canada.
Hank was raised Amish and he and his family lived in various Amish settlements before settling in the Punxsutawney, PA settlement, where he grew up until he left the Amish at age 19. He often said he “left with the clothes on his back and his dreams of a different way of life.”
Hank achieved much of his dreams by starting out working in a sawmill in Pennsylvania. He later started his own logging business in PA, which he operated well into his 30’s.
Hank moved to New York where he worked as a welder and mechanic for Edward Arnold Scrap Processors in Corfu for over 20 years until his retirement.
The true enjoyments in his life were spending time with his family and his grandson’s. He had a huge personality with a garden just as huge and was a skilled and knowledgeable hunter and fisherman. He was often found (out back) on his property farming and planting his food plots. He also enjoyed watching the deer come out in the evenings.
He was wealth of knowledge of many things and will be truly missed by many a friend and family alike. This world will be a bit darker without him, as he touched many lives and was loved by many.
He is survived by his best friend and partner for over 25 years, Kimberly Engle-Sommers of Corfu. He is the loyal father and best friend of Aaron Hank Sommers of Corfu, Kyle (Vicki Mayne) Esten of Batavia and Larissa (Andy) Miller of Corfu. Grandsons Kahlen Esten and Colton Miller.
Brother of the late Lewis, Emma and Andrew Sommers. Surviving brothers and sisters Jonas (Joyce) Sommers of Arizona, David (Lindsay) Sommers, William (Ada) Sommers, Edward (Martha) Sommers, Mahlon (Emma) Sommers, Raymond (Elizabeth) Sommers and Martha (Rudy) Miller of Pennsylvania, Laura (Alvin) Byler and Savilla (Sommers) Byler of Ohio. Son-in-law of Donald and Linda Engle of Elba. Many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will hold a private ceremony for Hank at a future date.
Arrangements were made by C. B. Beach & Son Mortuary, Inc., Corfu, New York.
