Charles Sommerlad

Charles "Charlie" William Sommerlad, Jr. February 20, 1943-October 28, 2016 Monroe, NY Charles William Sommerlad, Jr., a 42- year Monroe resident entered into eternal rest on Friday, October 28, 2016 at the age of 73. He was the son of Charles William Sommerlad, Sr. and Zita Sommerlad (Moloney). Charlie was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 20, 1943. He grew up in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn at a time when the Brooklyn Dodgers were king and the parish that you attended let everyone know where you were from. After living in Brooklyn and Rockaway Pt. NY, he took his family to the growing community of Monroe, NY in 1974. The Sommerlad family remains a fixture in the Monroe community to this day. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. Shortly after being discharged in 1965, he met the love of his life, Eileen Ireland. After a whirlwind romance, they were engaged just three months later. They were married on Aug. 13, 1966 and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1965, Charlie became a member of the NYPD and served as one of its finest. In 1970, he realized his dream job and became one of the bravest as a member of the FDNY. Charlie was beloved by his fellow firefighters throughout the city. He helped guide the way for many firefighters to learn what it took to be part of the world's greatest firefighting department. He served 25 years on the department and 30 as a public servant of New York City, retiring in 1995. They were blessed with five children and eleven grandchildren. Charlie was the most loving husband, father, and grandfather. He doted over his grandchildren showing them off every chance he got, especially at the Monroe Woodbury School Bus Garage. They absolutely adored him and often called him the world's greatest grandpa. He was seen shuttling them around town, at football and soccer games, and dance recitals. He loved spending time in the Irish Riviera, otherwise known as Breezy Pt. He began driving a school bus for the Monroe Woodbury School District in 1987. As a substitute driver, he shuttled thousands of students to school. Everyone knew him as the cool bus driver that would open the door with a smile and a warm greeting. Upon his retirement, he had driven for 23 years for the district. He also spent many years driving in West Point. He loved transporting cadets, soldiers, and many significant people throughout the northeast. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Joseph Duelk, Jr., Division One, Monroe, NY and the Retired Fireman's Association. He was an usher at Sacred Heart Church in Monroe and a two-time finisher of the NY City Marathon. Charlie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Eileen (Ireland) of Monroe, NY, and his sister Zita O'Connor (Gerard) of West Palm Beach, FL. He is survived by his five children, Chuck Sommerlad (Diane) of Monroe, Charleen D'Angelillo (Randall) of Warwick, Timothy Sommerlad of Monroe, Debra Behringer (John) of Monroe, and Suzann Pierce (Steve) of Harriman. He is survived by eleven grandchildren, Kyle, Jenna, Timmy, Patrick, and Kieran Sommerlad; Jay and Julia Pierce; Kerry, Jack, Ryan, and Colleen Behringer. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 pm and Wednesday during the hours of 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc., located at 139 Stage Road, Monroe, NY 10950. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 3 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart R.C. Church located at 26 Still Road, Monroe, NY 10950. Burial will follow at Orange County Veterans Cemetery located at 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY 10924. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Sunshine, 35 Acadia Road, Casco, ME 04015. www.campsunshine.org Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas F. Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc. For directions to the funeral home, Sacred Heart Church or to offer an online memorial please visit www.flynnfh.com