Obituary of Edward J. Sobkowski Jr.

Age 92, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital SNF on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Ed was born in Elmira, son of Edward Sr. and Jennie (Wozniak) Sobkowski. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia Malnoski Sobkowski and brother Robert Sobkowski. Ed is survived by his children, Dr. Shawn Sobkowski of Highland Park NJ, Jeffry Sobkowski of Elmira, Lisa (Charlie) Lechliter of Elmira, Amy Bellinger of Horseheads; grandchildren Brian and Michael Lechliter, Zachary Bellinger and Dylan Bellinger (fiancée Gabriella Yarussi); brother-in-law Gerald "Buddy" (Charlotte) Malanoski of Elmira; sister-in-law Sylvia Travis of Horseheads; several nieces and nephews.

Ed was a 1948 graduate of Thomas A. Edison High School where he was an outstanding athlete, playing both football and basketball. He played for the legendary Edison football coach Al Northrup. As a freshman, Ed was called up to the varsity football team, scoring three touchdowns in his first game. After high school Ed played semi-pro football for the Iroquois Chiefs for two seasons. Ed was offered a tryout with the Pittsburgh Steelers before being drafted. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. He worked as a carpenter for William Pike for several years, building houses in the Elmira/Horseheads area. He then went to work as a carpenter for Chemung County from where he retired. His carpentry skills included making furniture and building repairs for his family. He was known to get up onto a roof well into his retirement years. Ed has been inducted into the Thomas A. Edison, Chemung County, and Section 4 Halls of Fame. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and going to the Finger Lakes Racetrack. Ed had a great sense of humor and liked a good breakfast at Light's Bakery in Elmira. Ed was a great family man and loved attending the sporting events of his grandchildren as they were growing up.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held there on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with his nephew, Father Scott Kubinski, conducting the service. Committal prayers, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Ed with a donation to the Chemung County SPCA, 2435 County Route 352, Elmira NY 14903.

The family extends their gratitude to the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital SNF who cared for Ed during his stay. A special thanks to Amanda Parmelee for her loving devotion.