He is survived by his sons Gerald Sojda Jr. (Mary) of Ashland, MA and Robert Sojda of Batavia, NY; step-daughters Patricia Sutphen (Richard) of Cape Coral, FL, Lisa Colton of Batavia, NY, step-son Larry Colton, and grandchildren Danielle (Ronald) Tourony, Cierra, Paige and Samuel Sutphen, Kayla Beck, and Ryan Loper; great-grandchildren Zaelynn Loper, Jade, Jenna, and Roma Tourony. Jerry is also survived by his sister Jane Burns of Charlottesville, VA, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. He was predeceased by his siblings, Mary (Walt) Stan, Dorothy (Paul) George, Valentine (Betty) Sojda, Richard (Dottie of Lancaster, NY) Sojda Jr., Julian (Dorothy, of Warsaw, NY) Sojda, and John (Ethyl, of Batavia, NY) Sojda Sr., and stepson David Colton.
He served as a 1st Sargent in the United States Army from 1951-1957 in World War II and Korea and, among others, earned the National Defense Service medal and Good Conduct medal. He also had a 27-year career with Coca-Cola of Batavia, NY. Jerry was known and loved by all and could be frequently spotted on his three-wheel bike, all around Batavia, at all times of the year, or eating French crullers at Dunkin Donuts or hanging out at the VA.
There will be no prior calling hours. An 11:00AM Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday January 4, 2017 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church 101 Richmond Ave. Batavia, NY 14020.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jerry’s name to the American Heart Association https://donatenow.heart.org/. For more information please call (585)343-8260 or to leave a message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc. 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020.
