Angie Echevarria, founder, Somma Mattress
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, December 21, 2008
LOS ANGELES — Waterbed pioneer Angie Echevarria, who built Somma Mattress Co. into a major force in the waterbed industry, has died. He was 80.
Echevarria developed a low-motion, soft-sided flotation system that sparked rapid growth in the waterbed industry in the 1980s. Somma, which ceased operations after the decline of the waterbed's popularity, was one of that industry's most visible companies and Echevarria was the face of that company.
Born in Puerto Rico, he moved with his family to New York when he was 5 years old and grew up there. After serving in the Army, he married and began raising a family. He later moved to Los Angeles, where he launched Somma.
After Somma ceased operations in the 1990s, Land and Sky acquired the brand, trademarks and patents, according to Mike Echevarria, Angie's son.
Among Angie Echevarria's honors was the Humanitarian Award from the City of Hope Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, one daughter, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
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Waterbed pioneer Angie Echevarria dies at 80
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