Obituary of Donald Sofia

Schenectady - Donald J. Sofia, (Pop) 91, of Cresse Ave., Schenectady, NY, died peacefully Friday, February 1st with his family by his side. He is remembered for his giant bear hugs, devotion to family, amazing cooking and ability to fix and create anything. His generosity and love was present in all that he did. He was a blessing to all who knew him. Born and educated in Albany, NY, he later graduated from the machinist apprentice program in 1939 as an apprentice toolmaker and then worked at Simmons Machine Tool Company. Don was a World War II veteran who served from 1942 to 1946 with the 133rd Ordnance Battalion 12th Army in Central Europe with General Patton's historic 3rd Army. He took part in D-Day invasion of Normandy and building bridges across the Rhine. His decorations include the American Service Medal, the African and Middle East Service Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He is a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. Upon his return from service he worked with several construction companies including Stone & Webster, White Oaks and as a foreman for Hanson Construction for 23 years building commercial buildings, Schenectady Police Station, Knolls Atomic Power Lab, Teresian House, NY Telephone Co. and numerous schools and churches. In 1974 he had his own business, Sofia Construction. Don was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Mr. Sofia was a communicant of St. Kateri (formerly Our Lady of Fatima) where he was involved in several ministries as an usher, small maintenance and repairs, and a cook at the Salvation Army soup kitchen. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor Sofia; parents, Lorenzo and Venera; brothers, Charles and John. He is survived by three daughters, Nancy Hammond and her husband, Stephen of Glenville NY, Susan Sofia Haffenreffer and her husband, William of Stratham, NH, Donna Conroy and her husband, Jack of Cumming GA; five grandchildren, Heather Hammond and her fiance, Benjamin Fox, Stephanie Christopher and her husband, Michael, Christopher Hammond and his wife, Aubrey, Moriah and Zachary Haffenreffer and his dear friend, Virginia Taft. Funeral services will be held Tuesday 8:15 a.m. from Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady then to St Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, Rosa Rd., where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Calling hours will be Monday 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie. Memorial contributions can be given to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 2216 Rosa Rd., Schenectady, NY 12309 or Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308.