Robert Sommerstein

Robert B. Sommerstein, 77, of Williamsville, died Tuesday, April 27th at the Gates Vascular Institute with his family by his side. Robert was born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1944,the eldest of two sons of Irving and Terry Sommerstein. His parents were eastern European immigrants, one a Holocaust survivor, who never forgot what it was like to have nothing, and so always gave to others. They passed that generosity and work ethic to their sons, Robert and Richard. Continuing their legacy was always so important to Robert. He was involved with many American Jewish charitable projects, including being a founding member of the U.S. Holocaust Museum, President of Jewish Family Services in Buffalo, and co-founder of Yad B’Yad, a Jewish inclusion advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Robert left New Jersey to attend the University at Buffalo and remained a proud Buffalonian for life after he met and married his cherished wife, Lynne Kramer Sommerstein. They had two children, David and Michelle and, later, daughter-in-law Lisa, and one grandchild, Olivia. Robert was a family man above all, and glowed with pride at their accomplishments. Passover was his favorite holiday, when he could gather all his many loved ones at the same table, singing songs and sharing Passover trivia. Robert graduated from UB law school and practiced criminal defense trial law and general practice for more than 50 years. He is a past member of the Erie County Bar Association Board of Directors, as well as the Western New York Trial Law Association. He was proud of his longtime work as chairman of the Bar’s assigned counsel program, vetting lawyers to effectively represent clients in need. Robert was a gifted athlete, and loved to fish, play football, softball, tennis and golf. He was an even better card player, loving his weekly poker club and later becoming a Life Master in the Western New York bridge community. Most people remember Robert’s humor. His stories and jokes were endless. There were few outrageous things he wouldn’t do to brighten the day of those around him. He chatted and became instant friends with anyone he met. While his personality was larger than life, his real accomplishments were his honor and honesty that he expected of himself and instilled in his children. In Yiddish, a real Mensch. A private memorial service was held with close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. https://nls.org/