David Sommer

David Norman Sommer; husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, died peacefully at his Florida home on Saturday morning, January 16th, 2016, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Ethel, at his side.

Dave was born on November 12th, 1917 in Minooka, Pennsylvania to parents Sarah and Sam Sommer. He was the eldest son of six children. Things were always difficult for the family, financially. Dave's father died when he was only 16 and the support of the family fell on his shoulders. Aside from this responsibility, he also served in World War 2 in the United States Army.

On his return to Pennsylvania after the war, he met Brooklynite Ethel Heikoff, who was visiting relatives in Scranton. They married on February 13, 1949 and had two daughters, Ellen and Judy. They resided for many years in Brooklyn, where Dave had a variety of jobs.

In 1959, Dave answered an ad in the NY Times for a warehouse manager of a health and beauty company called Rack Rite. The family moved to Harrisburg, where the business thrived. In time, they opened up the first of their chain drug stores in Scranton, which eventually became Rite Aid Corporation. Dave was instrumental in the rapid and successful growth of the company. He retired in his mid-60's.

The next chapter of his life was no less exciting and productive. He joined an organization of executives who helped struggling, small businesses abroad. In 1985, he was paired with the Zubillaga family in Caracas, Venezuela, an association that lasted 31 years. Dave helped them not only grow the only and successful chain drug store in Venezuela, but also became a beloved second father to the entire family. Dave was proud to have made their business a success. However, he was mostly proud of creating thousands of jobs for the profoundly poor in Venezuela.

Dave never forgot his humble beginnings. He had a great love and concern for all people and became a leading force in guiding many Jewish organizations. Along with his wife, Ethel, they were lifetime members of Hadassah and NCJW, major donors to the United Jewish Appeal, and major supporters and founding members of The Israel Tennis Centers and JAFCO. They are members of Congregation B'nai Torah in Boca Raton.

Dave followed one philosophy in life...a philosophy that he carried with him from his early life in Pennsylvania; when you give, you get back much more in return.

Dave's legacy will continue through his loving wife, Ethel, daughters and sons in law Judy and Mark Shankman and Ellen and Alan Goldner; grandchildren Josh Goldner, Rachel and Mark Stein, Sarah and Zach Kerner, and David Shankman; and great grandchildren Itai, Shelly,Asaf, Adam ,Jordan and Julian, as well as a brother, nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends.