Mr Ronald J Sommer

Ronald J. Sommer, 85, "shuffled off this mortal coil" February 7, 2025 at home in Dunedin, FL. He was born February 26, 1939 to Fred and Edythe (Head) Sommer in Indianapolis, IN.
He graduated from Broad Ripple High School and continued his education at Wabash College, Brown University where he earned his BA and MA, and Indiana University, where he received his PHD in Renaissance English and drama.
Ron was a professor emeritus from Valparaiso University since 1994, having taught English literature there for several years. He enjoyed teaching and being a good teacher was paramount to him. Ron was also active in theatre: acting, directing and mentoring his students- keeping in touch with some of them throughout his life.
After retiring to Oldsmar, Florida, he returned to acting, a passion he had started years earlier in the Midwest, East Coast and California. In the Tampa Bay area, Ron frequently appeared in theatre productions with Gorilla, Stageworks and USF Theatre II. He also continued to teach, sharing his love of movies by giving film lectures at Eckerd Elderhostel.
He was an avid traveler and had friends around the world. A quiet man with quiet pleasures, Ron will be remembered for his keen intellect, exceptional talent and subtle wit.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Donald, Dick (Tuggy) Sommer) and Bob Sommer. Ron once said, "Cats have been an essential part of my life for over 52 years". Also predeceasing him and now forever sharing Ron's lap are his beloved felines, Miche, Athena, Tiger, Spook, Kali and Pippa. He is survived by nieces and nephews: Karen (Clyde) Robinson of Carmel, IN, Don (Sonia) Sommer of Valrico, FL and Kurt (Janice) Sommer of Indianapolis, IN, along with many great and great-great nieces and nephews.
His final earthly journey will be back home to Indiana where he will be interred at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield next to his mother and other family members.
"One short sleep past, we wake eternally..."
If you would like to do something to remember Ron, please make a donation in his memory to the Tampa Bay Humane Society's Feral Cat Program or a cat charity of your choice.