Charles Franklin Somerville, 93, of Ft. Pierce, FL, and formerly of Rockaway, NJ, died peacefully on May 12, 2014, in Hospice By the Sea, Boca Raton, FL.

Charles was a man of many names: Frank to those in childhood, Slim to those in the military service and afterwards, Charlie to those in his retirement years. He also changed the spelling of his last name by removing one 'm'.

Born in Jane Lew, West Virginia, Frank was the third of five children (Martha, James Robert, Mary and Paul) to Arthur and Maud Sommerville (née McGahan) all who have predeceased him.

He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on January 13, 1942, and served in K/3/5 of the First Marine Division as Private then Corporal during WWII in the South Pacific area and participated in action against the enemy at Guadalcanal, B.S.I. and Cape Gloucester, New Britain. Charles "Slim" is mentioned in the book, "Hell in the Pacific, a Marine Rifleman's Journey From Guadalcanal to Peleliu," a memoir published in 2012 by his fellow Marine buddy, the late Jim McEnery. Slim is also mentioned in Collier's The National Weekly Magazine, May 26, 1945 article entitled "Suicide Creek," by Asa Bordages.

While at the USO he met and courted Laurice Koury of Dover, NJ, who became his wife on September 14, 1947. They lived in Rockaway, NJ for 32 years, raising their family until her death in April 1979. He retired as maintenance supervisor of Rockaway Borough School System in Rockaway, NJ. They are survived by their two children, Dennis (Mary) Somerville and Charlene (Wayne) Moss, 8 grandchildren: Angela, Daniel, Laurice (Brian Norris), Jonathan, and Christopher Somerville, Nathan (Marissa), Corey, and Stacey Moss; and four great-grandchildren: Zachary and Olivia Norris, and Meiah and Hensley Beth Moss. He also leaves two special cousins whom he grew up together with from childhood in West Virginia and throughout his lifetime. They were like brothers, and their wives: Gerald and Jannetta Snyder and James and Monoka Collins.

A few years later, Charles met Sylvia Kerr, (née Ahtla) at Parents Without Partners, and they married in June of 1990. They lived in an active adult community in Ft. Pierce, FL for over 22 years until his health declined in December of 2012, and they moved to Palm Beach County to be with his family.

Charlie and Sylvia were very active members in the Indian River Presbyterian Church in Ft. Pierce, FL. Charlie was very proud of working on the grounds of the church in many capacities: lawn mowing, set building for the annual Christmas Outdoor Living Nativity, and all around handy-man. Whatever task he put his mind to whether helping at the church, assisting his family or neighbors, he made sure it was completed, no matter what labor it entailed. Charlie loved God and showed that love in action no matter who asked him, if he could help he would do it. He had heartfelt passion for the poor and needy children especially, and gave generously to any cause that would relieve their suffering and needs.

Charlie enjoyed life to the fullest. His enthusiasm for fishing, hunting, and the outdoors, as well as a good day of hard work, were a portion of his passion for life.

Our father, (Charles, Frank, Slim, Charlie) is greatly loved and will be missed. He is resting from his labors in this world. We thank God for the many years we have shared with him.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014 from 9:30AM to 11:15AM with an 11:15AM funeral service at Lorne & Sons Funeral Home, 745 NE 6th Ave. (N. Federal Hwy.) Delray Beach. Burial will follow at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Indian River Presbyterian Church 2499 Virginia Avenue Fort Pierce, FL 34982 or Broad Street Church of Christ, Attention: Larry Waymire, 131 North Broad Street, Lexington, TN 38351 (place note inside referring to Sonlight Children's Home Haiti). Please visit www.LorneandSons.com to share condolences and sign the online guestbook.