John Carl "Jack" Soffa, Jr.'s Obituary
Jack was born in Duquesne, PA, on November 1, 1934. Passed away February 7, 2019 at home in South Park, PA surrounded by his loving family after a battle with ALS. He was predeceased by his mother and father, John Carl Soffa and Bertha (Roberts) Soffa, and his sister, Roberta Soffa. He was happily married to his wife, Theresa "Terry" (Billy) Soffa for 56 great years, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughters, Monica (Peter Weilersbacher) Costanzo, Jill Soffa, Greta (Brad) Parker and Rachel (Billy) Zilcosky; sister, Gerri (Arnie) Sopko; and brother, Allan (Judy) Soffa. He loved his nine grandchildren, Cassie and Marena Costanzo, Derek and Nadya Nemeth, John, Patrick, and Mara Parker, and Katie and Zoe Zilcosky; as well as his best friend, George "Kum" Pilipovich. Jack graduated from Duquesne High School in 1952 where he was captain of the DHS swim team for three years. He served in the US Army for 2 years and after being honorably discharged in 1957, Jack attended Duquesne University for Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. While at Duquesne, he was a member of the Red Maskers Theatre Group and President of the Student Commerce Association. Jack worked at the US Steel Computer Center in Southside, writing computer software for large main frame corporate computers and coordinated education and training for the USS computer programmers. As an adjunct professor, he also taught night classes at the University of Pittsburgh. Jack loved music. He sang in the Holy Name Church Choir in Duquesne, PA, and the "Knights of Song" men's choral group, directed by Vito deSalvo, part of the Knights of Columbus Council 4210. They performed at various events in the Pittsburgh area and gave all donations to charity. He was an active member of the St. Thomas A' Becket Prayer Group since it's inception in 1990. Jack served on the Century Heritage Federal Credit Union Board of Directors since 1991, retiring in 2018. Arrangements are being handled by the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, 15236. There will be a visitation at St. Thomas A' Becket's Church at 10 AM, Monday, Feb. 11, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Fr. Daniel Maurer will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, can be made to St. Thomas A' Becket Church, 139 Gill Hall Road, Jefferson Hills, PA 15025, or to the ALS Association of Western PA, 416 Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15209. Condolences may be left at www.jeffersonmemorial.biz.
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