C. Melvin Sonne, Jr.

Following a brief illness, C. Melvin Sonne, Jr., died on November 21, 2012 at his home in Bedford.  In a lifetime of worldwide interests and a career in foreign affairs, Mel always too pride in his Pennsylvania heritage.  He was born in Titusville on December 3, 1922, the son of C.M. Sonne, M.D. and Lillian Carpenter Sonne.  On July 8, 1950, he married the former Eva Melitta Hubert, a native of eastern Germany, whom he had met while assigned to Hamburg.  Mrs Sonne, known to her friends as Millie, survives along with sons; Peter, Phillip and Neil Sonne, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

After graduating from Titusville High School with the Class of 1940, Mr. Sonne obtained his bachelor’s degree from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 1943.  Enlisting in the Army Air Force, he served as a navigator with the 20th Air Force on Saipan in 1944-1945, completing 35 aerial missions mostly over Japan.  He was awarded the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross, both with clusters.  Sonne was en route back to the United States when the first atomic bomb was dropped and obtained his discharge in time to return to Penn for two academic years (1945-1947).  While teaching part-time at Penn, he also obtained a master’s degree.

Sonne began a 30-year career with the Foreign Service, U.S. Department of State in September of 1947.  He filled both diplomatic and consular assignments in seven diverse contrived; Denmark, Germany, French Indo-China, Mexico, Austria, Italy, twice and Saudi Arabia.  Between foreign assignments, he did graduate studies for one year at Harvard University and in 1965-1966 also attended the U.S. Army War College as a government civilian.  Back in Washington, he was detailed for one year to the Department of Commerce and then before retirement had occasional duties at the United Nations.

While still on active duty in 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Sonne came to Bedford County and purchased a retirement home in Southampton Township.  For about five years, Mr. Sonne was employed with a private trade organization, and then returned to the Department of State as a part-time consultant concerned with freedom of information.  He also become a volunteer director with the State Department Federal credit Union and for several years was its Treasurer.

About 1989, the Sonnes became permanent residents of Southampton; where Mel pursued his hobby of tree farming.  In Bedford County, he developed a deep interest in state and local history.  He joined the Pioneer Historical Society and always recalled that at the first meeting he attended, he was named Treasurer, a position he held until 2003.  In that position, he organized the society’s purchase and move to its permanent headquarters on East John Street.  Beyond his financial responsibilities, Sonne worked to encourage greater local interest in Bedford’s historical heritage and in 1994, took the lead in Bedford’s observance of the Whiskey Rebellion Bicentennial.

In 1997, the Sonnes moved from the farm to a new home in Bedford.  In his second retirement, Mel turned over specific duties at the Historical Society to others but remained on the Board of Trustees and continued to participate in other civic activities.  The Sonnes remained frequent travelers, going abroad at least once a year so long as they were able.  At home, Mel gave more of his attention to historical research and genealogy, while Millie volunteered regularly at the Everett Free Library.

Mr. Sonne outlived two brothers and a half-brother.  With his death the remaining family members will honor his request that there be no public viewing.  He wished to be cremated with only the immediate family in attendance, and they will decide on any final ceremony and the time and place for disposition of the remains.  Those who may wish to do so are invited to make a memorial contribution to the Humane Society of Bedford County.

Arrangements entrusted to Louis Geisel Funeral Home, Bedford.

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