Anthony J. Sofia

Anthony J. Sofia, 91 a long time resident and small merchant of Corning, NY and most recently residing in Flagstaff, Arizona with his daughters, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. 

Tony was born to Mary Catherine (Cuda) and Joseph Sofia on June 8th 1930 in Corning, New York. He attended area schools and was a graduate of Northside High School. After his graduation, he and his younger brother Mark opened a small deli-market on Bridge Street where his hot Italian sausage became the store’s specialty and an area favorite. Tony changed the direction of his business effort and opened Sofia’s Liquor Store after the Flood of 1972; an endeavor that he continued into his early 50’s. Tony sold his business and joined childhood friend Jim Strates in the ticketing and concessions operations for the Strates Shows Carnival. Tiring of being on the road and away from family, he again settled back in Corning working as the Corning City Registrar. Tony’s affable nature and uncanny ability to recall names were traits that served him well as the 8th Ward City Alderman, an elected position he held for a number of years. Tony also acted as a Greeter at the Acly-Stover Funeral Home where he enjoyed seeing old friends and comforting them in their time of sorrow.  Tony was a member of All Saints Parish having also served as a Trustee for St. Vincent de Paul Church. He was also a long tenured volunteer at Founder Pavilion. In his “spare time”, Tony enjoyed bowling, golf and playing cards with his friends. 

Tony met Joanne Rocco, the love of his life and they were married at St. Vincent de Paul Church in 1953. They remained married for 67 years until Joanne predeceased him in June, 2021. 

Tony is survived by a son, Joseph (Pamela) Sofia of Dove Canyon, CA, daughters, Kathy Sando and Marybeth Loden both of Flagstaff, AZ; sister-in-law, Mona Lucas of Virginia Beach,VA; brother Michael Carapella of Addison, special family friends Christy Mendoza and Angela Acly Carr, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. He leaves as his legacy four grandchildren; John Sando, Gregory Sando, Joseph Sofia Jr. and Evan Sofia and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Mark and Eileen Sofia and sister-in-law Rita Rocco Wass, but leaves behind many God Children, close friends with their enduring friendships. 

A Memorial service and celebration of Tony’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that any donations be made in his name to the hospice care organization: Compassus, 1030 N. San Francisco, Suite 220, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

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