Charles Franklin Sornberger

Scotland, Connecticut Dr. Charles Franklin Sornberger died at home on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at the age of 91. His family was with him. He was born in Cortland, New York and was the only son of Bessie Rood Sornberger and Dr. Frank Sornberger. He graduated from Dartmouth College and Syracuse University Medical School. He specialized in the field of radiology. During World War II, Dr. Sornberger was a Captain in the United States Army. He served in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany from December, 1943 until October 1945. Dr. Sornberger married the former Harriet McGraw in 1942, and they had three children. The family lived in Boston, Massachusetts while Dr. Sornberger was a fellow at the Lahey Clinic and later moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he completed his training. Dr. Sornberger practiced radiology with his father for several years in Cortland and in 1957, joined a radiology practice in eastern Connecticut. He and Mrs. Sornberger made their home at Pudding Hill Farm in Scotland for nearly 50 years. As a young man, Dr. Sornberger loved to race motorboats, and he was an avid reader, traveler and stock market investor throughout his life. He played tennis until he was in his mid eighties. He was a firm believer in the importance of education, and he helped many individuals, not just members of his family, receive an education. Dr. Sornberger was a man of integrity, he had a strong sense of fairness, and he spoke his mind. He also quietly offered assistance when he perceived an individual in need. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in central New York State, and he took great pride in his wife s gardens at their home in Scotland. Dr. Sornberger s wife pre-deceased him. He is survived by his children Ann Racy, Susan Cole and John Sornberger, son-in-law Dr. Anis Racy; daughter-in-law Lisa Sornberger; grandchildren Dr. Justin Cole, Jeremy Cole, Eric Racy and Layla Racy; and granddaughters-in-law Jamie Cole and Carina DeFazio. There will be a memorial service to celebrate the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Sornberger on June 17, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., at the Hampton Congregational Church in Hampton, Connecticut, followed by a picnic in their garden at Pudding Hill Farm. Those who wish may make a contribution to Hospice of Eastern Connecticut, 34 Ledgebrook Drive, Mansfield, Connecticut 06250. Please visit www.potterfh.com for online memorial guestbook.