Andrew Lawrence Somers, Jr.

Andrew Lawrence Somers Jr. “Andy” was born in Brooklyn, New York December 1,1936 and resided in Crown Heights until 1950. Andy is the son of the late Congressman Andrew Lawrence Somers Sr. who served from 1925 to 1949 and Ruth Edna (McCormick) Somers, a classically voice trained singer and pianist. He was raised in Brooklyn NY and Monterrey MA and his heart and soul remained there no matter where he roamed. He attended Foebel Academy Brooklyn Prep and St. Francis Xavier 1951 and graduated from St. Cecilia in Englewood, New Jersey, attended Villanova University (1954-55) and St. John’s University (1955-57) attended New York Law School and graduated with a JD in 1960. Andy was admitted to the NY Bar in 1961 and Wisconsin Bar 1966. 

Andy’s life was rich with service, dedication, and passion for his family, his community, and causes close to his heart, such as human rights, sobriety, and Irish-American relations. He lived with deep commitment in many different roles— as a loving family member, a dedicated professional, an advocate for justice, a performer, and a musician.

On November 1st, 1977, Andy started the Fitchburg Serenity Club. Andy maintained over 60 years of sobriety, a remarkable testament to his strength and unwavering commitment to personal growth. His work as a lawyer, political activist, and his leadership in the Irish-American Unity Conference and the Fitchburg Serenity Club show his ability to balance both local and global concerns, and his dedication to bettering the lives of others. 

Andy began his legal career at Loeb & Cody Law Firm before joining the Dane County District Attorney's Office. He later served as an attorney in the Wisconsin Attorney General's Office from 1974 to 1987. Afterward, Andy transitioned into private practice, where he continued his dedication to the law. He was appointed as a Court Commissioner later in life, a role that allowed him to bring people together in the most meaningful way—by performing weddings. He took great joy in uniting couples and celebrating their love, adding his unique warmth and sincerity to each ceremony. For him, it was not just a job, but a privilege to witness such beautiful moments in people’s lives. Andy had the honor of officiating weddings for many of his family members.

In addition to his legal work, Andy was deeply involved in politics and activism. He served as President of the Madison Police and Fire Commission Board from 1972 to 1974, ran for District Attorney in 1970, and represented the 6th ward as a Madison Alderman from 1968 to 1970. From 1975 to 1991, Andy held the position of Fitchburg Municipal Judge, further solidifying his commitment to public service and the justice system.

In 1965 he married Eileen McNamara in Oak Park, Illinois and they had four children, Andy, Sean, Kathleen and Sheila. In 1992, Andy married Mary Schlimgen and gained two more daughters, Anne Schlimgen and Katie Knapp. Mary and Andy have nine grandchildren, Shannon Caldwell and Ben Caldwell, Nick Baldukas, Aidan Baldukas and Teddy Baldukas, Fiona Somers, Ava Somers, Dayne Somers, Sean Knapp.

Andy developed a love of music and politics from the examples of his parents. He was in a teenage band that lasted 2 months in Monterey Massachusetts. He performed in Madison’s Barbershop Quartet, played the trumpet, piano, harmonica and recently ordered a mandolin to practice on. He was a proud member of the New Horizon Band in Madison, WI.

He performed for the Madison Theatre Guild, Strollers and Children Theatre. He had lead roles in a Cat on a Hot Tin roof, Born yesterday, Inherit the Wind, Of Mice and Men, Death of a Salesman, Grapes of Wrath, Seven Jewish Children and Rope of Sands (produced by the Wisconsin Supreme Court). Andy’s final play was at Oakwood in the Phantom of a Soap Opera (November 2024).

He was active in Ireland and American matters for the last 40 years. He served as a Human Rights Chairman as well as a national president of the Irish American Unity Conference. He acted as a judge for citizen inquiries into the three deaths in Northern Ireland Fergal Carraghes, Paul Thompson and Patrick Shanaghan. He was a critic of the British Royal Ulster Constabulary and the British Government's record of Human Rights Violations against the Irish People in Northern Ireland. Andy served on a committee with two other judges on Bloody Sunday Inquiry. He collaborated for peace in Ireland with Gerry Adams and Martin McGinnis. 

In 2001, He was awarded the Dan O’Kennedy Award for his human Rights activities by the Irish American Unity Conference (IAUC) at their National Convention in Washington DC. He became president of the IAUC and advocated for the peace treaty in Northern Ireland and was invited to the White House by President Bill Clinton. He became involved with Immigration issues as a lawyer in the US, Immigration Court and as a member of No More Deaths in Tucson.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary Somers and his children Andy (Shannon McCall) Somers III, Appleton, WI, Sean (Andrea) Somers, Oregon, WI, Kathleen Somers (Dean) Baldukas, Fitchburg, WI, Sheila (Karri) Somers, Milwaukie, OR, Anne (Jeff Ziebelman) Schlimgen South Milwaukee, WI, Katie (Dan) Knapp of Golden CO, first wife Eileen McNamara, daughter-in-law Kathy Somers. He is also survived by a sister Edna Valerie Somers of Albany, NY, grandchildren Fiona Somers, Ava Somers, Dayne Somers, Nick Baldukas, Aidan Baldukas, Teddy Baldukas, Shannon Caldwell, Ben Caldwell, Sean Knapp and many nieces, nephews and extended family. 

He was preceded by his brothers Arthur Slyvester Somers, Edward McCormick Somers and sisters Andree Maeve Ross and Ruth Edna Somers.

Many thanks to Oakwood and all of the caring staff. During his short stay, Andy made a lasting impact, bringing joy and laughter to everyone around him. He made sure that all the residents and staff had their own cowboy hats, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, humor, and unforgettable moments.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fitchburg Serenity Club in his honor located at 6048 McKee Road Fitchburg, WI 53711

The family warmly invites anyone who wishes to share their memories of Andy to send an email to: IrishAndrew2024@gmail.com

Services to be held at 2pm Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Prairie Unitarian Universalist Church located 2010 Whenona Dr Madison, WI 53711-4843. 

“One day at a time.”

Please share your memories of Andy here on his tribute page. 

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