Sam Sozio

Mr. Sam Sozio, 91, of Statesville, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at the Gordon Hospice House. Mr. Sozio was born Oct. 27, 1919 in Fairport, NY and was the son of the late Anthony Sozio and Anthonette Pittanro Sozio. He attended schools in Fairport, NY and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Sam was honored as VFW Member of the Year for 1996. He served with the Sea Bees in the Pacific during WWII. He was in New Guinea, Borneo and the Admirtie Islands in the Philippines. He was discharged as 3 Class Petty Officer in Unit 565-C.B.M.U. He is a life member of VFW Post #7171 and life member of the Sea Bees in West Seneca, NY. On May 23, 1970, he was married to Leona Harloff Sozio, who survives of the home. He was retired and a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Statesville. In addition to his wife of 41 years, he is survived by three sons, Dave Nichols (Debbie) of Cleveland, NC, Daryl Nichols (Laurie) of Statesville, John Nichols of Monroe, OH, one daughter, Sharon Raymond of Victor, NY, two sisters, Mary DiRisio of Fairport, NY, Theresa Demeo of Titusville, FL along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and special NY friends and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Friends. Funeral services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Robert Dovenmuehle officiating. Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full military rites. The family will receive friends Friday evening 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Sam Sozio.