Obituary of Edward R. Sofo

Edward R. Sofo, 84, of Meiers Corners, passed away on November 6, 2020 at the home that he shared with his beloved wife of 61 years, Vincenza A. Sofo. He was the loving father of heartbroken children Edward Sofo (Tracy) of East Windsor, NJ, Angela Krayeski (Jake) of Port Washington, NY, and Joseph Sofo (Michele) of Chatham, NJ. Affectionately called "Pop" by his cherished grandchildren Colin, Julia, Nicholas, Matthew, Samantha, Lindsey and Jacqueline. Ed always saw the bright side of life and could always be seen with a smile upon his face. Ed was born in Brooklyn, NY where he attended New Utrecht High School and first met his future wife. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1955, he was stationed in Germany until his discharge in 1957 when he returned home and married his high school sweetheart in 1959. Together, they relocated to Staten Island in 1969 and began raising the family and creating the home that would always be the central focus of all that he did. A linotype operator for 25 years, Ed worked for Charles P. Young Printing in Manhattan and was a member of the International Typographical Union Local 6 in New York. Switching careers later in life, he became a sales account executive with Metropolitan Life in Staten Island and retired in 1999 after 27 years with the company. Ed was a natural talker and loved selling insurance and working with the people at MetLife who became his life-long friends. A co-founder and long-time member of the Victory Rifle, Pistol, Hunting and Archery Club of Staten Island, Ed was truly happy when spending time at "The Club", at the cabin and in the woods with all his great friends and the few sporting animals that passed his way. Those lucky enough to call Ed a friend were rewarded with a lifelong relationship with a happy and humble man who gave as much as he received. Ed had few passions outside his family and friends, but woodworking and Frank Sinatra remained constants throughout his life. Tinkering in the garage with all his tools while the Chairman of the Board played on the radio was a favorite pastime of his. Many a family event often saw him grabbing a microphone and singing his personalized version of "My Way". Taking his cue from Frank Sinatra, Ed lived his life his way, lived it well and lived it right. A finer example of a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend would be hard to find. Family and friends are invited to visit at Matthew Funeral Home, 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314 on Sunday, November 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on Monday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Saint Rita, 281 Bradley Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.