Lawrence R. Soma

Lawrence Roger Soma, VMD, DACVA, age 92, of Bolton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully from heart failure.

Born in Queens, NY in 1933, he was the son of the late Angelo and Assunta (née Lanza) Soma. Lawrence grew up in Bolton, Connecticut, and later raised his family in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. He studied at the University of Connecticut from 1950 to 1953 before earning his Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris (VMD) degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957.

Dr. Soma was the beloved husband of Joan A. (née Saimond) Soma. They shared 70 years of marriage, a partnership filled with love, devotion, and family. Above all else, Lawrence was dedicated to his family. He was the loving father of Scott J. (Nancy) Soma, Mark A. (Tracy) Soma, and Craig L. (Kim) Soma; caring grandfather of Bon Soma, Jaeke Lyn Macdonald, Tyler Soma, Paul Soma, Alexander Soma, and Avery Soma; and great-grandfather of Rory Macdonald and Camila Macdonald. 

He was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond P. Soma.

From 1960 until his retirement in 2013, Dr. Soma devoted more than five decades of service to the University of Pennsylvania. He held the titles of Marilyn M. Simpson Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Professor of Anesthesia & Clinical Pharmacology at the New Bolton Center, later becoming Emeritus Professor. He also served as Principal Investigator of the Pennsylvania Horse & Harness Racing Commissions Research Program.

A founding member of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Dr. Soma was internationally recognized for his contributions to veterinary anesthesia and clinical pharmacology. He served on numerous School and University committees, including multiple terms on the Committee on Appointments and Promotions, the Committee on Academic Status of Students, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, where he also served as Chair. His dedication to education, research, and service shaped generations of veterinary students, clinicians, and scientists.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Soma proudly served his country in the United States Army Veterinary Corps. He was commissioned as a Captain, serving on active duty from 1958 to 1960 and in the Army Reserve from 1960 to 1966, during the Vietnam War era.

Outside of his professional life, Lawrence was a talented woodworker who designed and built many pieces of furniture for his family. After retirement, he discovered a passion for woodturning and began crafting bowls. His work was both beautiful and cherished, reflecting the same patience and precision he brought to his career.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation from 5:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, September 12, 2025, at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his funeral service at 6:00 PM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine: Giving to Penn