Al Somodi

Al Somodi, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at the age of 90 in Trenton IL. Born in Newark NJ, February 25, 1935, Al was the son of August and Sally Somodi.

In 1953 he met the love of his life, Delores D. Sabatino, when she threw his book at him in the East Side High School auditorium. She obviously got his attention as they married on February 5, 1955, in Elizabeth City NC.

Al joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and transferred to the US Air Force in 1956 working in military finance. His career took him to numerous assignments including Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, VA; Langley AFB VA; Johnson AB, Japan; Clark AB, Philippines; Pease AFB NH, Davis-Monthan AFB AZ, Kadena AB, Okinawa; and Grand Forks AFB ND. Al traveled the world with his cherished wife, Delores, and his three children. Al served honorably for 20 years and remained a true patriot his entire life.

After retirement Al worked for Jersey Coast Egg Producers in Lakewood NJ as payroll supervisor and then Union Valley, Monroe Twp NJ serving as IT office manager; and worked at Spirit Unlimited, Toms River NJ working budget and payroll.

Al was an active member of the Knights of Columbus in Manahawkin NJ for several years until he moved to Damiansville IL. He was a member of St. Damian Church serving on the finance committee, President of the Zoning Board Committee for Damiansville, and a member of the American Legion Post 1026 in Albers having recently received a 20-year membership certificate.

An avid Washington Redskins fan, he could always be found yelling at the TV on Sunday afternoons. His love of reading stayed with him throughout his life often reading three different books at the same time.

He was known for always having a smile on his face and a ready story. Whether he was coaching youth baseball, basketball, or football for his sons or teaching his grandkids how to play Monopoly (and cheating), he enjoyed every second he spent with young people. Al's grandkids describe him as patient, dependable, honorable, loyal, kindhearted, Santa, badass, and a cheater (but only at games). Al devoted his life to his wife, his kids, and his grandkids always there with an encouraging word or gentle hug. Al genuinely loved everyone and everyone loved him. He was truly a good man and will be missed by those who knew him.

Al was preceded in death by his beloved son, Edward Michael Somodi (Barbara Allen) in 2023; his parents, August and Sally; his sisters, Elaine Helmstetter and Sally King; and his brother, Frank Somodi.

Al is survived by his wife of 70 years, Delores, of Trenton IL; his son Albert J. Somodi, of Forked River NJ, and his daughter, Kathy Lynn Hondel (Steve) of Trenton IL. His nine grandchildren Candace (Jack) Thode, Jaclyn (Daniel) Kerrigan, Amy Allen, Matthew (Jessica) Somodi, Ashley Hondel, Tony Somodi, Katie (Keith) Kimbrough, Melissa (Anthony) DeCrescenzo, and Amanda (Bret) Kruse; and 11 great grandchildren.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with Fr. Matthew Elie presiding and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer assisting. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

Visitation will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville.

Memorials in honor of Al may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Damian Parish and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.