John Robert Hugo Sohmer, 59, of Duxbury, Mass. died peacefully on September 30, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born and raised in Rye, N.Y., where he distinguished himself as an excellent tennis and paddle tennis player early on. After graduating from Iona College, he pursued a career in finance, starting at Coopers and Lybrand before moving to Pepsi Bottling Group, First Wind Energy, and JM Huber Corporation.
His greatest joy in life was family, both immediate and extended. He cherished spending time with Jesse and his children on playgrounds, engaged in Nerf wars in the backyard, on the sidelines of sports events, or just snuggling on the couch watching a movie.
He thoroughly enjoyed time on the beach and courts at American Yacht Club, on the boat in Duxbury Bay, and at The Pink House in Woodstock, Vermont. A passionate racquet sports player, he spent many hours with buddies, having fierce and fun matches with all sorts of banter, usually ending with a beer at the local pub. He was the assistant coach for the Duxbury High School Girls’ Tennis team and had a wonderful rapport with the players.
A consummate joker, he was universally loved by those who knew him.
Later in life, Mr. Sohmer was confronted with many health challenges. He approached them all with extraordinary grace, bravery, and humor, leaving those closest to him often unaware of the severity of his illness. He was forever grateful for the expert care of his team of doctors at Tufts Medical Center, with whom he also had a close relationship.
He is survived by Jesse; his children, Harry, Elie, Lila, and Adam; and his sister Nina, all of whom he adored.
A memorial service was held October 7, 2021 at Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury.
The Rev. Emily J. Kellar officiated.
Donations in John Sohmer’s memory may be made to The HeartBrothers Foundation or The Pat Roche Hospice Home.
