T. M. Ward Coffee Owner, Chatham Resident Passes Away

CHATHAM, NJ — Robert Sommer, a Chatham Township resident and owner of T. M. Ward Coffee, passed away last Friday. He was 78.

Sommer was the current owner of the beloved coffee shop, which has locations in Chatham, Newark, and Connecticut. It has been family-owned and operated since 1869. "Nothing rivaled Bob's love for T.M. Ward Coffee, except his family, as he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather," an obituary says.

According to his obituary, his interests were varied:

He received his bachelor of arts degree from Davis & Elkins College, in Elkins, W.Va., where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

In his spare time, he stayed active by playing tennis and basketball. He enjoyed watching boxing. Bob collected coins and stamps and appreciated good music. In addition, he loved spending time in Vermont and gardening.

He was a former member of Fairmount Country Club and Copper Springs Club.

He is survived by his wive of 55 years, Axlyn, his four children and seven grandchildren.

Bradley and Son Funeral Home provided the following visitation information:

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wm. A. Bradley & Son Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Chatham, N.J. 07928. A funeral service will be take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Presbyterian Church at New Providence, 1307 Springfield Ave., New Providence, N.J. 07974. An interment will follow at Fair Mount Cemetery, Chatham, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society and Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

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