Harry Joseph Sohmer Jr. ’40

HARRY DIED from a heart attack May 23, 1990. Harry is survived by his widow, Anne; three children, Harry J. III, Anne D. Sohmer, and Robert H. J.; and a brother, Robert H. Sohmer.

Harry was born in N.Y.C., and his father was in the Class of 1907. He attended Hotchkiss and majored in modem languages at Princeton, where he played freshman soccer and squash, and was a member of Triangle and Charter Clubs. Throughout the Hotchkiss and Princeton years, he roomed with George Cowen.

During WWII, Harry was chief inspector of the W&J Sloane CG4 Glider Program. His remaining business career was devoted entirely to Sohmer & Co., the famdly piano manufacturing concern founded by his grandfather. Harry eventually became president of the company and was finally forced to sell in 1982. He had been director of the Natl. Piano Manufacturing Assn., trustee of the United Furniture Workers AFL/CIO Pension Fund, director of the Harrob Realty Co., as well as being associated with the Westchester Conservatory of Music.

Harry was a devoted family man who possessed a delightful, dry sense of humor, and was a loyal friend to many and to Princeton. How fitting that a Sohmer piano was used throughout for the musical entertainment at our recent 50th reunion. To his entire family, the Class sends its sympathy and condolences.

The Class of 1940