Joseph P. Sotak 1922-2020
NILES — Joseph P. Sotak, 98, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at Shepherd of The Valley Howland.
He was born June 19, 1922, in Masontown, Pa.,the son of John and Mary Thomas Sotak.
He was employed at Mullins Manufacturing, a delivery driver for Coca-Cola and a groundskeeper at Oakwood Cemetery, retiring in 1960. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles, church usher and festival volunteer. He was also a member of The Niles Knights of Columbus Council 1861, enjoyed bowling and was an avid Notre Dame fan.
Joseph was an Army veteran of World War II, having received two Bronze Stars while serving in Europe from 1942 to 1945.
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary “Sis” Basciano Sotak, whom he married April 19, 1952; a son, Joseph Sotak and his wife Janet of Niles; a daughter, Janet Sotak of Niles; a sister, Mary Kistler of Las Vegas; three grandchildren, Scott Sotak (Darla), caregiver Tricia St. Clair (Brian) and Aaron Sotak; nine great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, George Sotak, Andy Sotak and John Sotak; three sisters, Margaret Sotak, Ann Kovalik and Helen Fergerson; and a great-great-grandson, Oliver Saunders.
Friends may call Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles. Due to the current health situation, social distancing measures will be observed and friends coming to pay respects to the family are asked to promptly depart the funeral home after doing so. Facial coverings are mandatory.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Niles, where social distancing and facial coverings are mandatory.
Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery, where Joe will be honored for his military service.
Material contributions can be made to the Project 20/20 Campaign at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, 481 Robbins Ave, Niles, OH 44446.
Arrangements entrusted to Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Family and friends may visit www.josephrossifuneralhome.com to view this obituary and send condolences to Joe’s family.
(special notice)