IRONWOOD, Mich. - Patrick James Somerville, 51, of Ironwood, died tragically in a fire on Feb. 21, 2018. Patrick was born on July 21, 1966, in Louisville, Ky., to James and Martha (Comerford) Somerville.
Patrick graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1984. He received an associate degree from Gogebic Community College in 1986. He then attended Northern Michigan University.
Patrick served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to the USS Grapple (ARS 53), a rescue and salvage ship stationed at Norfolk, Va.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, Patrick resided in Joliet, Ill., for many years. During this time, he worked in the tiling and flooring installation business. He then returned to his hometown of Ironwood and continued in this line of work.
Patrick was a member of American Legion Post 5 in Ironwood, and he attended Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. He was known for his generosity in helping others and always enjoyed a good conversation. He was an excellent skier and loved to fish, especially stream fishing. He was a NASCAR and Indy Car enthusiast; and despite being raised to root for the Detroit Lions, he became an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Patrick is survived by his parents, Jim and Marty Somerville, of Ironwood; two brothers, Tim (Tracy) Somerville, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Bart Somerville, of Elk Mound; two sisters, Jane (Ryan) Skarpetowski of Aspen, Colo., and Ann (Chris) Besanceney of Tuscaloosa, Ala .; nephews, Will Somerville, James Timothy (J.T.) and John Besanceney; and nieces, Clare and Mary Martha Besanceney.
There will be a visitation for Patrick on Wednesday, June 6, from 10-11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church of Ironwood. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace. Rev. Robb Jurkovich will be the celebrant. American Legion Post 5 of Ironwood will present military rites.
McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home is assisting the family. For information or to express condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.