Gerard J. Sodano

Gerard J. Sodano, 93, of Southwick, died June 25 after a brief illness. He was the husband of Agatha Joan (Vogler) Sodano. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in April.
Sodano was born in the Jamaica section of Queens, NY on April 13th, 1932, one of eight children of Italian immigrants Raffaele and Ida (DelDuca) Sodano. He was educated in New York City public schools. After graduating from Jamaica (Queens) High School, he began a long career with the Advance Publishing group of newspapers. He worked in several capacities at the former Long Island Press, and was the newspaper's editorial office manager when it ceased publication in 1977. He subsequently relocated to Longmeadow, MA, and served as purchasing manager for the Springfield Newspapers, retiring in 1994.
He served in the New York Army National Guard from 1947 to 1959. He was a past president of the now-closed Springfield Civitan Club and was awarded the club's highest honor, the Distinguished President's Key, in 1984.
Besides his widow, he is survived by a sister, Inmaculata Rosary "Rosie" Farino of Florida; five children, Geana Delisle and her husband George, of Westfield; Gerard J. Sodano, Jr., of Northampton; John Sodano and his wife Sharon, of South Hadley; Paul Sodano and his wife Susan, of Bristol, NH, and Mary Joan Sodano-White and her husband David, of Huntingburg, Indiana; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson, Auston White.
Funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105, or to the charity of one's choice.