Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Frank Sorochinsky Obituary
(Sarge)
Johnson City: Frank C. Sorochinsky, 82, Johnson City, NY, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2014. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Irene; his parents, Frank and Mary Sorochinsky. He is survived by his daughter, Sonja; son-in-law, Alex; and his two grandchildren, Austin and Ava, whom he loved more than anyone else in the world. He is also survived by his siblings, Mary Terry, Carol Washburn, Ellen (Robert) Zemanick; John Sorochinky; and many nieces and nephews. He served as a Lt. and paratrooper in the 82nd airborne division. He was employed by the Newark Valley Central School District for several years. He then went to the Union Endicott Central School District where he worked for over 40 years. While at U.E. he was a chemistry teacher. He was the recipient of numerous "Teacher of the Year Awards". His favorite job at U.E. was being the head wrestling coach. He currently holds one of the highest recorded wining records in New York State. He is a member of Section 4 in New York State and a member of the National Hall of Fame for wrestling. The Union Endicott wrestling room is named in his honor. He loved guiding and encouraging all young men to be their best. He had many friends that he cherished. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25th, at Holy Trinity Church, 346 Prospect St., Binghamton. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family in St. Stan's Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at the church from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 24th. Although he will be forever missed, his wise words of advice and many wonderful memories will always be remembered. Arrangements are by J.F. Rice Funeral Home Inc., 150 Main St., Johnson City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Sorochinsky
Sponsored by HIs Loving Family.
KAREN SEARLE
June 18, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
karen searle
June 19, 2024
I know Wes is up with you now
wes & karen searle
June 17, 2023
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Kirk MacBeth
June 17, 2023
Sarge was my coach, chemistry teacher and my mentor. He wanted every wrestler to go to college and be a better person thereafter. His influence on my life has been everlasting as he taught me how to persevere the struggles and just flat out work hard. I am glad I had the opportunity to know him in his lifetime.
Wes & Karen Searle
June 17, 2021
you are sure missed
Joe Kilmer
June 18, 2020
I so vividly recall attending Sarge's summer wrestling practices with another Catholic Central HS (CCHS) wrestler in the summers of 1973 & 1974. Sarge treated us the same as he did his own UE wrestlers...those practices made me the wrestler I became back then. I will always be thankful for those times.....RIP Sarge
Mark Swain
June 17, 2020
Another memory of Sarge:
I will never forget when Coach Sorochinsky got so mad at me for getting out of a wrestling move I was not supposed to be able to escape form. He was yelling how the move was unbeatable and went on for what seemed like an hour, than it hit him. I escaped and he just turned to me and said without finishing his sentence good job.
Than moved on to the next lesson without missing a beat and the whole team just broke out laughing.
He was a big, strong and powerful man that wanted the best for his boys, he would push you to be your best. Thank you Sarge!!!
Douglas LaGier
June 17, 2019
The sport has f wrestling will miss this dedicated man. No matter what school a wrestler was attending Frank provided him with the same training and attention of his own boys. Im a father of one of his boys and often helped him ferry kids from a variety of schools to summer tournaments. Also, I was a chemistry student of his and although he never said anything to me, i image he must have remembered me along with 4 others he deemed the terrible 5. Fun loving as we were we did disrupt his classes and spent many labs in the principals office.
Thanks Frank.
Dennis Follis
September 10, 2017
Sarge,
You were a great coach and mentor to many.
My heart and prayers go out to your family.
God bless you.
Dennis
Mark Swain
September 10, 2017
Sarge, I only knew you for a few years and have not seen you since 87, but you taught me how to work hard and give it everything I've got to reach my goals.
I will never forget you, thank you.
Keith Benjamin
September 9, 2017
I am truly thankful for this wonderful man. He Coached while I was in high school. I was on the swim team and his energy filled the locker room. After college I came back and coached swimming. Frank's enthusiasm was infectious and inspiring. A gift to everyone.
Joey Pavia
September 9, 2017
Sarge was a great man.. He would pep talk me always.. Baseball was my sport. He was kind and so cool.. R.I.P. Sir!
Joey Pavia
September 9, 2017
A great man. The greatest Wrestling coach.. I knew him well.. R.I.P. Sir..
August 13, 2014
Coach Sorochinsky was always kind to me as a high school wrestler from Cortland in the 70s and as a coach at Dryden in the 90s. I really liked and respected him very much. I enjoyed talking with him when ever I had the chance- I respected his intensity, and I enjoyed his keen sense of humor. He was the man and will be missed very much by all in the wrestling world. RIP Sarge.
Larry Hinkle, Hudson, FL
Yvette Klausch
June 28, 2014
"Sarge" was a great man and made our chemistry class more fun than it probably should have been!!! He was one of those teachers that was larger than life and so easy to talk to; he left such a positive impression of kindness and caring for his students and players! Always in my prayers...never to be forgotten!
Doug LaGier
June 28, 2014
I was a Chem student of Sarges as well as a father of a wrestler that he coached. He never turned a wrestler away. I was fortunate to travel with him to quite a few tournaments and learned something every time.
I and all those that know him celebrate his life. A great humanitarian.
Rick Rollo
June 26, 2014
Sarge was bigger than life, and he was a big man. Most of our Maine-Endwell team wrestled during the summer at the Boy's Club twice a week. He let anyone from any school in. We went from bad to good, but of course we did not beat UE. He had Coach Miller from Cornell at his house for a recruiting trip my senior year and invited us all. My career path wound up being teaching and coaching wrestling. This man touched a lot of lives. Thanks Sarge and condolences to his family.
Jim Bennett
June 26, 2014
Thanks Sarge for everything. Your stories and expressions will always be with me. My favorite: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." You molded so many lives, and I'm proud to say I was one of them. Rest in peace.
Mark Swain
June 25, 2014
Great men leave great legacies, Sarge has touched somany and his legacy will last for many years.
You will be missed.
My favorite quote from Sarge: "tell your nose to stop bleeding, you have a match to win"
Penny Williams
June 25, 2014
My heart goes out to Sarge's family. He was an awesome coach, and a wonderful man. He will be missed but NEVER FORGOTTEN....God Bless!
Jessica
June 25, 2014
Thoughts and prayers for the family of this wonderful man.
Bob Grant
June 25, 2014
My condolences to the Sorochinsky family for the loss off this great man, coach and mentor. There are many words Sarge was always fondly quoted for. The ones I have taken through life's "hard matches" are "Get your wind and get your wits". Thanks Sarge. You will be sorely missed.
Colleen & Patrick Smith
June 25, 2014
To Sonya and family, the Gentle Giant surely will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched. Our sincere sympathy is with you at this time but our wish for you is that fond memories ease your grieving. My husband remembers him for his respect earned as a coach; I remember that gentle presence and loving smile. Godspeed, Sarge. May your rest be easy.
Colleen & Patrick Smith
June 25, 2014
To Sonya and the entire Sorochinsky family, our deepest sympathy at the passing of Sarge. Well respected by all in the Triple Cities community, he was a great role model for students and always a class act. I will remember his gentle giant self and that smile. My husband remembers his coaching and the respect he earned from all wrestlers. Godspeed, Sarge. May your rest be easy!
Walt Mercincavage
June 25, 2014
Sonia-sorry to here about your dad.He will be greatly missed. God Bless!
Rick Juday
June 24, 2014
S.A.R.G.E! Thanks for everything. May the Lord be with you.
Bill Sloma
June 24, 2014
What a great person and terrific teacher. He helped me do my best in chemistry and encouraged me to go to the college. One of the key influencers in high school, truly cared about his students.
Ellen Crooks
June 24, 2014
From the family of Franny Crooks - our condolences and prayers go out to you. A life well lived. He had such a positive impact on so many others lives.
Mary Buckingham
June 24, 2014
Ellen & Family,
So sorry to hear the passing
of your brother. May he rest
in peace. He will be
missed. Mary Buckingham
Jan Little, Sr.
June 24, 2014
God bless Sarges family. What a better place this world would be if it was full of people like Frank.
Jan Little, sr.
Jim Kohlbach
June 24, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the Sorochinsky family. This area has lost a truly GREAT man. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Goldman Family
June 24, 2014
RIP Sarge you will not be forgotten by those whose heart you touched. To all the Sorochinsky clan you have all done so much and continue to do so much for our sport. Thank you. Our sincere prayers and sympathies to all of you.
karen nickerson
June 24, 2014
My condolences to the family. Sarge was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
June 24, 2014
I fondly remember Sarge as encouraging everybody, even kids from rival schools. He was an institution at UE, and even those of us from Vestal have fond memories of him.
Paul Bartlett, Vestal ‘74
Janet Levinson
June 24, 2014
Frank was the consummate coach...always there, always thinking of his wrestlers. His enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. His influence on his wrestlers was amazing. Rest in peace, Sarge, rest in peace.
Russ Mills
June 24, 2014
My sympathy goes out to Sarge's family. I had the privilege to be coached by several legitimate legends in my playing days and Sarge tops the list. I have thought of him often over the years and the many lessons learned, kindness he showed and sacrifices he made for me and all my teammates. "Grab your knees and rock," Sarge. I'm sure you're already building a team in heaven.
Rusty Mills
Eddie Koban
June 24, 2014
To the Sorochinsky Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Rest in Peace and God Bless Sarge.
The Cole Family
June 24, 2014
Thoughts and prayers to all of Sarge's family.. he was respected by so many as he respected others.. will always remember his concerns for all of our family years ago when we lost our Bubba,, he was a great mentor to so many young people.
Randy Strain
June 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to The Sorochinsky family. Sarge, We will meet again at the top of the mountain and walk down together "and get them all!"
Allan Bennett
June 23, 2014
Sarge was a great guy and an outstanding teacher. The last time I saw him was just before I was to begin graduate school at Cornell, his own alma mater. He was so excited when I told him about that he almost knocked me over. RIP, Sarge.
gary sr and cynthia bowen
June 23, 2014
Such a great friend and person to have known. Rest in peace Sarge. May your family find the lords comfort in this time of sorrow
Tony Lacatena
June 23, 2014
My condolences to the Sorochinsky family. Sarge was my chemistry teacher, and one hell of a guy. I have vivid memories of his class, his wit and his wisdom as a teacher still, after 44 years. I would go to the wrestling matches and watch him crawl down on the mat, "helping" his wrestlers along, but he got me through chemistry class the same way he made his wrestlers champions. Thank you, Sarge, RIP
Greg Diaferio
June 23, 2014
Rest In Peace Sarge.... You gave a lot to so many. In my teens, you were larger than life and as an adult I still felt the same way... You will be missed Sir
Ivan Smith
June 23, 2014
My prayers go out to Frank's family. Memories about him have wandered in and out of my head at various times since graduating from U.E. in 1963. Sarge was one-of-a-kind. A mentor to many "know-it-all" youngsters like me.
He was my Chemistry teacher. I remember challenging him once about what I thought was an unfair test. He answered my challenge by suggesting if I was so smart, I could create my own test for the class and he would give me average grade, assuming the grades fit a bell curve. I accepted his challenge, and although the average grade was not a substantially improvement, I learned so much more from the experience. Sarge was also my wrestling coach. He drilled us and drilled us 'till we didn't think we had anything left. Then he "helped" us find out we did have just a little bit more. Our reward was his smile and a reluctant compliment which was all we wanted. After joining the military during the Viet Nam War, I realized just how much like a drill sargent he was; hence his moniker "Sarge".
My heart goes out to everyone he touched like me; he left us way too soon, but he also left a part of himself in thousands of others.
God Bless you, Sarge.
Tom Havens
June 23, 2014
I first met Sarge at his summer wrestling programs during the 60's. He was a great coach and a better person. I always appreiciated him allowing a "Vestal" guy into the room.
RIP Sarge.
You will be missed.
Geoff Stephens
June 23, 2014
Frank was the mold that all coaches should be made from. He was always helpful to all those he came in contact with and will be remembered fondly by all who had the honor to know him.
Kevin Brearley
June 23, 2014
Sarge, You will be missed more than you could possibly know. You were a great teacher and coach. May you rest in peace.
Jack Hudock
June 23, 2014
Coach Sorochinsky was an extraordinary human being, in my humble opinion. He was so much more than just a successful and effective "tough guy" wrestling coach. Although he surely was that, he was also a gifted teacher. He will be missed by all of us who knew him or knew of him, including many that never had him as a teacher or coach. His giant personality and clear value as a good man reached far beyond those two career paths. God Speed, Coach. I'll never forget you.
Pat Purdy
June 23, 2014
To the Sorchinsky Family, am very sorry to learn of your loss, my son at one point was coached by Sarge. And John will be praying for you also.
God with with you and yours.
Pat and John Purdy
karen & wes searle
June 23, 2014
Sarge was a wonderful man & is going to be missed by all. Wes & Karen Searle
Christine (Lambrinos) Figured
June 23, 2014
Sarge was one of the greatest men known and highly respected by all who were privileged to know him! My prayers for his family is that your fondest memories of him will comfort you through your toughest days! May he rest in peace!
Dr Nicholas Stamato
June 23, 2014
Sarge was a great coach, teacher and mentor. Whether driving the whole team to Auburn,AL or Annapolis, MD for the NCAAs to making sure we all knew the answer to the first question on the Chemistry Regents (it was always about the gas equation) he was a very important part of my life. Many years later he would still greet me with a "so whada you weight these days" what a special man, I will miss him.
Linda Coon
June 23, 2014
Sonja, your parents were great neighbors and your dad always had a smile on his face. We ask God to comfort you at this time. We know what you are going through. God bless you. Linda and David Coon
John Shiel
June 23, 2014
To the entire Sorochinsky family, I knew Frank, through wrestling for over 50 years. He was one of a kind and devoted his life to the sport. He coached, mentored so many young men from boyhood to manhood. Rest in peace Sarge.
Joseph Nejeschleba
June 23, 2014
A wonderful person and coach,...GOD Bless.
Peggy Greene Gigstad
June 23, 2014
Praying for Sonia, all of his family, and my hometown where there is such sorrow over the loss of this great man. Of all of the thousands of people he touched, you will not find one who wasn't impacted positively. A legacy we can all be inspired by. Even though he was a fixture in my family's life for many years, there is so much I never knew, like that he was 82nd Airborne! As a retired Army nurse, I salute you, Sarge! Thank you for keeping my big brother Rick in line.
Louis Hendzel
June 23, 2014
Sonja and family, Please accept our condolences on the passing of Sarge. He was a true legend and a great person. He will be missed but our memories of Sarge will alway make us smile.
God Bless you Sarge, Rest in Peace.
Lou and Linda Hendzel
Barbara & Gary Kraus
June 23, 2014
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
June 23, 2014
SARGE,ZORRO...I have precious memories of this man..always positive,always wanting to help. Loved his infectious smile and his zest for life...John Dellos '63 UE GRAD
Joe Kilmer
June 23, 2014
To the family of Sarge, my condolences on his passing. Sarge made a significant impact in my life in wrestling, allowing a freshman from Catholic Central HS attend his summer workouts starting in 1973, and treating me like one of his own. I will never forget him and his love of the sport, as well as his incredible dedication to so many young men. He truly helped mold hundreds of wrestlers into the fine young men they grew up to become. Not many like Sarge left in this world. And now he is in a better place, smiling down on all of us.
June 23, 2014
Your love and care of my son, Andrew will never be forgotten and always cherished. Wonderful memories live in the hearts of all of your boys. Poles sings to your family. Peggy Silver ( mehl )
June 23, 2014
What dear memories we have of him. He was truely a great man and teacher. His smile lit up the sky and all who were fortunate to have crossed his path. Claim your reward Sarge! You will be missed. Students, Eric and Antoinette Pedley
Jack Childs
June 23, 2014
Sarge was my mentor and friend when I 1st became wrestling coach at Binghamton HS. Always a smile from this tough coach! I know he will be missed by all whose lives he touched! RIP COACH!
Paul Gales
June 23, 2014
Sarge was a great man that taught a lot of many things. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Dee Bjaastad Harvey
June 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was such a sweet and caring person in addition to being an awesome teacher and coach. He will be missed.
Mayor John Bertoni
June 23, 2014
My condolences to "Sarge's"Family both personal and extended Family of colleagues,his wrestlers who loved him dearly andmany friends who he shared his life with over the many years.His smile and ability to lift one's spirits through his conversations were infectious for sure. Rest in Peace and those of us who knew you will never forget you and what you did for all of us and the legacy you hold to this Community and the Union Endicott School System.
Dr. Joseph T. Hogan
June 23, 2014
Mr Sorochinsky was a patient of mine several years ago. He was a great man.
Tony Srnka
June 23, 2014
sorry for your loss
Martine (Grassi) Zareski
June 23, 2014
John and family.....So sorry for your loss. I know Sarge was one of the most loved coaches at U.E. Prayers to all of you. R.I.P Sarge.
Chris Ketchum
June 23, 2014
A true legend in the sport, I Will always carry great memories of Sarge.
June 23, 2014
Great teacher, great man. SARGE!
Armand Olevano
June 23, 2014
R.I.P. my friend
Mark Neschleba
June 22, 2014
I will forever be grateful for the countless hours spent with this man. He is what the world needs more of. The last time I saw him was at SUNY empire state games. I told him then that this was probably the last time I would help him move mats...God bless you Sarge. You're one hell of a man
Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results
Make a Donation
in Frank Sorochinsky's name
Memorial Events
for Frank Sorochinsky
How to support Frank's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Frank Sorochinsky's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
