John was born in Bretz West Virginia on August 31, 1930, one of 10 children to John and Mary (Sbardella) Sommavilla Sr. Due to money issues at home, John Quit school after the 10th grade to help raise money for the family and help build the family home. He worked his early years making cinder blocks in West Virginia. He was extremely athletic and played basketball and was on a American Legion baseball team. At the age of 17 in 1947, he moved to Michigan to live with his older sister and learned the trade of tile setter. In 1949 he joined the U.S. Navy. John was united in marriage to his beloved wife Marion E. Eckert in Detroit in 1955. The couple lived in Detroit until they built and moved to their home in Fraser in 1958. At that time he became a volunteer firefighter. In 1969 he was asked to become a full time firefighter. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1974 and retired on September 13, 1987. During his time in the Department of Public Safety he received numerous awards and citations. He was a very strong and giving person who always put his family first, loved his grand and great grandchildren, enjoyed working his farm, hunting, building his home and barn, and helping others.
John was born in Bretz West Virginia on August 31, 1930, one of 10 children to John and Mary (Sbardella) Sommavilla Sr. Due to money issues at home, John Quit school after the 10th grade to help raise money for the family and help build the family home. He worked his early years making cinder blocks in West Virginia. He was extremely athletic and played basketball and was on a American Legion baseball team. At the age of 17 in 1947, he moved to Michigan to live with his older sister and learned the trade of tile setter. In 1949 he joined the U.S. Navy. John was united in marriage to his beloved wife Marion E. Eckert in Detroit in 1955. The couple lived in Detroit until they built and moved to their home in Fraser in 1958. At that time he became a volunteer firefighter. In 1969 he was asked to become a full time firefighter. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1974 and retired on September 13, 1987. During his time in the Department of Public Safety he received numerous awards and citations. He was a very strong and giving person who always put his family first, loved his grand and great grandchildren, enjoyed working his farm, hunting, building his home and barn, and helping others.
Gravesite Details
To the left of the "Christ Stripped of his garments" statue
Family Members
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