AUBURN | Michael F. Sofinski, 94, of Auburn, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, in Auburn Community Hospital. He was the husband of the former Arlene M. Simmons. They celebrated their 71st anniversary together on Oct. 4, 2012. Mr. Sofinski was born in Auburn on Oct. 29, 1918, the son of Eudokia and Phillip Sofinski. Michael lived in Auburn most of his life. He was employed by Columbian Rope Company for many years and eventually retired from General Electric. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II Pacific Theater aboard the U.S.S. Clermont. Mr. Sofinski was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Church. Michael and Arlene enjoyed many winters as they traveled to Florida, creating many special memories along the way, including many years of square dancing with many different groups in New York and Florida. Surviving Mr. Sofinski is his wife, Arlene; two daughters, Marilyn Nesbit and husband, John, of Auburn and Jean Roberts and partner, Edward Epstein; grandchildren (Marilyn's children), Lynn and David Balian, of Auburn, Wendy Franczek, of Pennsylvania, and John and Melissa Nesbit, of Waterloo; (Jean's children), Michael Roberts, and Amanda and Carl Dauerheim, all of Auburn; great-grandchildren, Catron, Bradlee and Jordan Cox, Stacey and Andrew Franczek, John III and Macy Nesbit, and Max and Gabriel Dauerheim; five great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, in St. Alphonsus Church. Burial will be in Soule Cemetery with military honors. Family and friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in the Heieckâ€"Pelc Funeral Home, LLC 42 E. Genesee St., Auburn. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions can be sent in memory of Mr. Sofinski to Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY, 41 York St., Auburn, NY 13021.
