JOSEPH SOPATA Obituary
74, of South Park, on Sunday, September 25, 2011. Beloved husband of Barbara (Babs Welding); Dear Ol' Dad of Janine (Dave) Franzi, Bonnie (Tim) Freshly and Joe Sopata; Pap-Pap to Joe, Megan, Jacob, Sean and Josh; brother of Jim (Cindy), Ron and the late Marie Henry; also survived by brothers-in-law Fred and Ron Welding, and many nephews and nieces. Joe touched many lives through his work with the blind for over 30 years and his passion for sports and officiating football, basketball and volleyball. Friends welcome at FREYVOGEL- SLATER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, 112 Fort Couch Rd., Bethel Park (opposite Macys, South Hills Village) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, September 27. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Church Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education).
www.slaterfuneral.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Joan & George Hess
September 28, 2011
To all the family of Joe Sopata:
We extend our deepest sympathy for Joe being born to eternal life. We have so many great memories of Joe and his family as I was their neighbor on McArdle Roadway for 20 years. We enjoyed our childhood years and then our high school years at South High.
George has great memories of Joe as well playing football and basketball for the South High Orioles and remembers Joe as one of South's hardest players. Our high school days were the best of our lives as is evident by attending our 55th year reunion last year. We also double dated with Joe at our Junior Prom. Joe also had a nickname for George - he called him "Juro."
We will miss Joe, but we will also have those great memories. May God take him into his heavenly kingdom and give you the strength and courage to get through this difficult time.
We are sorry we could not make the services for Joe as we are out-of-town this week.
Joan (Cashi) & George Hess
Malou Stark
September 27, 2011
Babs, Bonnie, Tim, Joe, Janine and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. A Mass has been requested to be said at Shepherd of the Hills for Guido in Oct.
Love to all, Malou Stark Dichtel
Sonja Greathouse-Simpson
September 27, 2011
We are very sorry for your loss. We extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies. May God bless and keep you all.
Theresa (Chapas) Bargas
September 27, 2011
Joe's Family: Please accept my sincerest sympathy for the loss of Joe. Joe attended grade school at St. Adalbert with me and left in the 8th grade. My husband also knew Joe when Joe played football at South and when he refereed games. My husband, too, was a football and basketball official. May he rest in God's hands.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jim & Anita Phelan
September 27, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to Babs and family. Joe will be in our prayers.
Old friends from Clairvoux softball days.
Jim & Anita Phelan, Minneapolis, MN
Mo Herbeck
September 27, 2011
Papa Joe you will be SORELY missed by everyone whose lives that you touched. What a wonderful person you were and I am so very lucky to have been a part of your life. My sincerest prayers and love go out to Babs, Janina, Joe & Bonnie and their families.
Jim & Carol Pierce
September 27, 2011
Sympathy to the entire Sopata family. Joe was a great man and provided many hours to the young adults and children in his time officiating the sports he loved so much always providing his wisdom to people he cared so much for.
Please be sure that the Rosary will be said for Joe and the family daily at the Saint Joan of Arc Church in South Park, PA.
With Love, Sympathy, & Peace
The Pierce's
(Jim, Carol, James & Russell)
September 27, 2011
You have my deepest sympathy. I had the honor and pleasure to work a few football games with Joe and each one was a pleasant experience. His warm smile will be sadly missed. "Nice and easy" Jerry Jones
Stormy Stark
September 27, 2011
Sending prayers and love to everyone. Guido will be very missed.
Andrew G. Kraemer
September 27, 2011
Prayers for Joe and sympathy to the family and friends of Joe.
Old friends and schoolmates from South High.
Sylvia (Tulick) Kraemer & Andrew G. Kraemer
george kircher
September 27, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in JOSEPH SOPATA's name
How to support JOSEPH's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor JOSEPH SOPATA'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
