Obituary of Francis Somodi Sr.

Francis (Frank) Somodi, Sr. of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, passed away peacefully at age 88 on February 5, 2025. Born in Newark, NJ on January 28, 1937, Frank was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His journey through life was marked by love of family, compassion, and unconditional giving. He had a profound impact on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him and will be missed every day. Frank was raised in Newark, he attended East Side High School where he met the love of his life, Lois Levant. They dated and were married on September 10, 1961. Frank was an altar boy at St. Columbus Church until a few weeks before his wedding. He was the youngest member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, serving with Flotilla-31. He was an auto mechanic/auto body repair man by trade and could fix anything, he was the “families” mechanic and home repair man. He would gladly help any family or friend in need of any repair. When offered money, his reply would be “ok, just a cup of coffee”. Underneath it all was a master craftsman, an artist in the truest sense. He meticulously built model boats from scratch, often just looking at a photo and replicating it to perfection. Using teak wood, toothpicks, napkins, etc. He created each masterpiece with painstaking detail. He was even featured in a local newspaper “The Sandpaper” for his handmade models. After creating each piece, he would give them with love to his family; His daughter, sons, grandchildren, in-laws, and friends. These gifts will be treasured and passed down forever. Frank loved ALL his family, both near and far. He loved to pay surprise visits to say “hello” and have a cup of coffee and cake with his family and friends. These visits, often daily, are treasured memories now and will be missed. They always ended with his saying “Don’t work too hard”. For many of us family and friends, he was the best person we ever knew. Frank always put others’ needs first. A man whose legacy will live on in all the lives he touched. Frank enjoyed watching his favorite team, the New Jersey Devils, John Wayne movies, and listening to music on his record player (especially Frank Sinatra). He enjoyed all his grandchildren and spending time with each of them. Walks on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, fishing, crabbing, dressing up for Halloween, watching plays, musicals, and singing. He loved to talk with them about their interests, listening and just being there for them. He loved to tell stories of his past to his family, reflecting on the good times spent with family. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Lois Levant Somodi, his Daughter and son-in-law; Stephanie and Robert Barone, his son and daughter-in-law; Frank Jr. and Christine Somodi, his son and daughter-in-law; Gary and Annette Somodi. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler, Nicholas, and Nicolle. His Brother and sister-in-law; Al and Delores Somodi, sister Carol Ann Costa, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; William and Juanita Levant Jr., sister-in-law and brother-in-law; Mary and James Zirpoli. Along with many cousins, especially the Crosta family with whom he loved dearly. Memorial services for Frances (Frank) Somodi, Sr. will be held at St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church in Little Egg Harbor, NJ at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025.