Richard Martin Somerfeldt

Richard Martin Somerfeldt, 84, of Painesville, Ohio, passed away on February 28, 2025. He was born on September 21, 1940, in Schenectady, New York. Growing up in Schenectady, Richard developed a love of carpentry while working with his father. He was well known and loved for the projects he completed in his homes. His beautiful workmanship and attention to detail is a constant reminder of his love for us and will live on for many years. Richard attended Pennsylvania State University and achieved a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Metallurgy and a Masters in Material Science. He worked for General Electric for 21 years with the majority of those years at GE Nela Park in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1988, he left GE to become an entrepreneur and started his own automotive parts redistribution business. After retirement in 2007, he was able to enjoy more traveling in his motorhome, golfing, helping with home projects and sharing his good humor with family and friends. Together, Richard and Carol loved to travel and visit their grandchildren, family and friends across the U.S. Throughout his life, Richard demonstrated compassion and concern for the needs of others. His gentle spirit and accepting nature gave him the ability to connect with others both young and old alike. He expressed little need for personal gain or gratitude, but willingly and freely shared his time, talents, and resources for the betterment of others. When traveling, he sought out small towns and off the beaten path places and was fascinated with the unique nature of each one. He had a wealth of knowledge on history, current events, and multiple other topics. He loved to engage in conversations to debate various viewpoints and always educated and enlightened us through these conversations. Richard is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Cynthia (Eric) Towe and Cheryl Somerfeldt; grandchildren, Hannah, Trevor, and Cody Towe, and Owen and Ada Wagner; and his sisters, Marylou Somerfeldt, Ruth Minkiewicz, Lorrie Petersen, and Joyce Kee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Agatha Somerfeldt and his sister Carrie Pierson. A rosary service followed by greeting of friends will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and inurnment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Painesville, Ohio. To view a livestream of Richard's funeral mass please visit the St. Anthony of Padua's Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/share/18Vbb9n34P/?mibextid=wwXIfr In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, donate online at www.hospicewr.org or to St. Vincent DePaul Society at Sacred Heart Church in Punta Gorda, Florida, donate online at www.svdppg.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Avenue, Mentor, Ohio 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com

Richard Martin Somerfeldt

September 21, 1940 - February 28, 2025