

Obituary of Joseph W. Sozanski
Age 76 of Big Flats, NY passed away, with his family by his side, on Monday, February 3, 2025. Joe is the son of the late Walter M. and Barbara L. (Rundell) Sozanski. He was predeceased by sister-in-law, Barbara A. Sozanski, cousins Paul Kitchman, Matthew Sozanski and Grechen Updike. Joe is survived by his devoted sister Terri L. Sozanski-Kojeszewski of Big Flats, NY with her son Andrew Sozanski; brother Daniel E. Sozanski of Elkland, PA; cousins, Evelyn Ziegehagen, Mark (Jane) Sozanski, Lance and Scott Kitchman, Vickie Smith, Vernell Somner with her daughter Karen Sonner, Annette Tenny, Michelle Wayne and Lewis Updike. Joe graduated from Horseheads High School class of 1966, and Oswego State College. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1968-1972, serving on the Heavy Cruiser USS Saint Paul (CA-73) and the USS Camden (AOE-2) a fast combat support ship. Joe was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). After serving in the Navy, Joe was employed with Elmira Heat Treating, Ingersoll Rand and retired from Dresser Rand as a machinist/welder. He was a recumbent bike rider and loved to bike around Keuka Lake. He also made homemade beer from a recipe from an English friend. Joe loved spending time with his sister Terri and nephew Andy watching movies and just spending time with them. Joe always had a smile on his face and will be missed by all that knew him.
Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Monday February 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 1:15 p.m. A livestream of the service will be on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person. Please subscribe to McInerny Funeral Home. Interment, with full military honors, will then take place at Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Sozanski, please visit Tribute StoreCalling Hours
Funeral Service
Interment, with Military Honors

In Loving Memory
Joseph Sozanski
1948 - 2025
About Us
Since our founding, the guiding principle of McInerny Funeral Home has been the commitment to treating each family who comes to us as our own. With sincerity, pride, and dedication, we are committed to this time-honored tradition
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McInerny Funeral Home
502 W Water St,
Elmira, NY 14905
Phone (607) 733-6271
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