Gary Arthur Somers, beloved son of Gary and Gayle Somers, was born on May 5, 1985, in Beverly, MA, and passed away on May 19, 2018. He spent his first years living with his family in Essex, Ma, and in 1995 moved with them to Phoenix, AZ. He was a graduate of Paradise Valley High School and Arizona State University, where he earned a BA in Creative Writing. He worked extensively in digital marketing and the restaurant industry, but his first love was the creative arts. That being so, he lived two years in New York City, which fed his thirst for them. He returned to Phoenix in December, 2016, happy to be with family and friends again. He enjoyed playing fantasy football and was an easy opponent unless there was cold, hard cash on the line. He especially appreciated his many loving and supportive friends in the AA community. Gary had a sparkling intellect, an infectious laugh, and a tender heart. All those he leaves behind will miss his big hugs, his thoughtful phone calls, his willingness to show up when he was needed. His life, though brief, blessed us. He is survived by his parents, his sisters Geneva (Somers) Matthews and Leah (Somers) Stephens, his brothers-in-law Eric Matthews and Tyler Stephens, and his nieces Seraphina Rose and Beatrix Violet, and his nephew, Enzo Anthony Matthews, as well as his aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Funeral Mass will be offered for him on Friday, June 1, at 10:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2312 Highland Ave., Phoenix. The Visitation will be on Thursday, May 31, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Whitney Murphy Funeral Home, 48th St and E. Indian School, with a Scripture service at 7:00 P.M. A reception will follow the Mass at the St. Thomas parish hall, with internment after that at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lighthouse Young Writers Workshop at lighthousewriters.org.
Kathy and Greg Bowman
Gary was a light that will always shine bright for those who knew him and loved him! Our hearts go out to all of you who he loved so dearly. Continued prayers for God’s comfort and peace for all of you!
“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)
Kathy and Greg Bowman
Mary Leahy
Dear Gary and Gayle,
Our thoughts and love are with you during this difficult time. We are so sorry for the loss of your son. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Blessings and love,
Mary and Patrick Leahy
Elton & Janet Thayer
Our heartfelt sympathy to you & your family as you remember & mourn the death of young Gary…although we never met him we can understand how much he will be missed by his friends and family…God’s blessings Janet & Elton
Woody & CC Phillips
We are still speechless and cannot imagine what you are all going though. Gary’s presence will be missed but we will remember him every day. We love you and although we do not tell you often enough please don’t ever forget that. Woody & CC
Cindy and Mike Leonard
Dear Gayle and Gary,
Words can never express how deeply we feel and grieve this deep wound with you. May our generous and merciful God hold you close as you ponder the mystery of Gary’s life and death. And, may you be blessed with messages from on high of the peace and light which Gary now lives in the heavenly banquet.
You are in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Cindy and Mike
CAROL NAVRATIL LAURENCE
I am so sorry. There are no words. I will pray for the repose of his soul and consolation for his family and friends.
Kay Allen
My prayers and thoughts are with the family and for Gary at this time. Our family is having a Novena of Masses said for Gary and the Family and the details will be sent to the home of Gayle and Gary.
May the Blessed Mother of God cover you in her graces and her mantle of love now and forever.
James and Suzanne Schmitt
Gary,
Suzanne and I are very sorry to hear of this loss. May God give you and Gayle comfort during this difficult time.