Robert Joseph Sommariva

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of Robert “Bob” J. Sommariva , age 77 of Plymouth, who went home to be with the Lord on June 20, 2025 after a valiant battle with an aggressive cancer. No words can express our sadness.

He was born in Detroit, on March 11, 1948 to his parents, the late Natale and Mary (née Burcar) Sommariva. He will always be remembered with much love by his beloved and devoted wife, of 45 years, Judith L. (née Stoner) Sommariva; loving father of Brian (Evelyn) Sommariva, Gina Sommariva and step-father to Fred “Val” Lauck; proud Papa to Leo Sommariva, Garrett Sommariva, Josh Sommariva and step-grandfather to Aiyana Aldred. Also, Bob was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Wendy Sommariva of Naples, Florida for whom he held a special place in his heart. He also will be sadly missed by his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bob was raised in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University at Detroit in Criminal Justice. He retired from a successful career as a Wayne County Sheriff and also worked in Washtenaw County. He approached his work with dedication leaving a lasting impact on those with whom he worked over his many years in law enforcement. His commitment earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow police officers. It was while he was working in Wayne County at Detroit’s Metropolitan Airport that he met and married the love of his life, Judy - a Flight Attendant for Pan American World Airways and together they raised their beautiful family.

Outside of work and into his retirement years, Bob had a passion for spending time with his family. Anyone who knew Bob also knew his family was the center beam of his life. He cherished every moment spent with each of them and was especially devoted to Judy. Bob and Judy enjoyed their many trips up north to their camping trailer, their fun trips to their condo in Naples, Florida as well as many trips to various countries and other destinations.

Bob, Judy and their children have resided in Plymouth for the past 40 years. While their children were growing up, Val and Brian who played ice hockey and Gina, a figure skater, Bob made sure they arrived on time to their many practices at various ice rinks near and far. He introduced Val to hockey and other sports, and he once drove straight through from Plymouth to Lake Placid, New York to watch Gina in a skating competition and then on to Manhattan so he and Brian could attend a New York Rangers hockey game.

After both Brian and Gina had grown into adulthood, he continued to do the same for his grandsons – Leo, Garrett and Josh and transporting them to their numerous baseball, hockey and soccer practices and games. One of his greatest joys was being with his grandsons attending their sporting events and they knew Papa was there in the bleachers cheering them on and congratulating at the end of a game.

He loved teaching them to fish while at their condo in Naples and taking them fishing, hiking, skiing and camping in northern Michigan.

To say Bob loved spending time with his grandsons was truly and understatement. He was a proud “Papa” and cherished his role as a grandparent. He took great joy in watching them grow and thrive. He loved taking them camping up north as well as plane trips to their family condo in Florida where he enjoyed teaching them to fish. He loved the outdoors and shared that love with them. He was often seen playing with them and teaching them to throw a baseball or how to ride a bike from the time they were toddlers. And before the end of the day, Bob rarely missed taking his daily three-mile evening walk through his neighborhood.

Bob was fun to be around. As he viewed the world around him, he could always see humor and comedy. And, there always seemed to be an incident in his own life that was very similar to something he saw on an episode of “Seinfeld”, one of his favorite TV shows. And, from that, something would spark in his memory some of the most memorable quotes that came from that very show that had us all laughing in the moment as he applied them to his own life.

Bob loved the four seasons of Michigan and appreciated the beauty of nature. When the grandchildren came, it was not unusual for Bob to be outdoors at any time of the year enjoying whatever activity and having fun with “the boys”. Many snowmen were built, driveway hockey and t-ball games were played, throwing footballs and playing catch with a baseball. These are just some of the things that were all part of the time spent with “Papa”. His presence in their lives was extremely important to him. They will miss him deeply, and will always treasure in their hearts the constant demonstration of great love for them and the example of a true loving husband, father and grandfather in Bob.

Bob gave everything a husband, father and grandfather could give. His love, wisdom, compassion and sense of humor lives on, and for that we are deeply grateful.

As Bob left this world, he was surrounded by the love of his family.

He will be remembered for his warm spirit and deep commitment to his family. During his hard-fought battle during the past five years, it was his family that was the source of his strength. Though his time with us was not long enough, his life was filled with purpose and much love. He leaves behind countless cherished memories and a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him, and he will be remembered and honored in our hearts forever.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary Service at 7:00 P.M.

Visitation will resume at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 North Territorial Road, Plymouth, Michigan on Monday, June 30, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. until the start of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 A.M.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Robert J. Sommariva are invited to consider an online contribution to Solanus Casey Center or by mail at Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mt Elliott St, Detroit, MI 48207 and Eternal Word Television Network, EWTN or by mail EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.