A funeral service will be held Saturday (2-25-12) for Edmund J. 'Ed' Sonoga Sr., Hermitage formerly of Farrell. He was called home to be with the Lord at 1:35 p.m. Tuesday (2-21-12) surrounded by his loving family in UPMC Horizon Hospital, Farrell, after a brief illness. He was 81.

Edmund was born January 13, 1931 in Sharon a son of Julius and Olga Parcetic Sonoga. A lifelong area resident he was a 1949 graduate of Farrell High School where he was a three sport athlete. Ed played wide receiver for the Farrell Night Riders and was a starting forward during Ed McCluskey's first year as head basketball coach. Ed's first love was track and he still holds the ½ mile record in a time of 2 minutes, and two seconds. Experts called him one of the finest scholastic runners they saw that season. Ed's bid to win States in 1949 failed due to stomach cramps even though he was at the head of the pack. He had the best qualifying time in the meet and was the favorite to win. Ed said he ate too many hot dogs, one of his favorite foods. As a senior, he was offered scholarships to attend the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University but turned both of them down to marry the love of his life Marie Perry. They were married April 23, 1951 in St. Anthony of Padua Chu!

rch, Farrell, by the Msgr. Geno J. Monti, as celebrant. She preceded him in death February 21, 2010 after 58 years of marriage.

Ed worked 42 ½ years at the former Sharon Steel Corporation in the utility and Combustion Dept. He also worked part time at the Farrell Baking Company as a baker for 20 years. He always put his family first and before any of his own needs, he was happiest when his entire family was all together. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of his life. At family gatherings he was known for his Kiffels, and Pogachi breads. Affectionately known as Papa Eddie and Papa, he was a dear friend to all who knew him and will be sadly missed by all who meant so much to him.

Ed was an active member of First Assembly of God, Hermitage, where he was a regular participant and he would serve as an usher when he was needed.

A very devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he is survived by his four children, Edmund J. Sonoga Jr. and his wife Joan, Brookfield, Annmarie Carin and her husband Kit with whom he made his home, John Sonoga and his wife Paula, Hermitage, Diane Chavara and her husband Tim, Hermitage. Several adoring grandchildren, Brian Sonoga and his wife Angela, Maria and Brittany Chavara, Ale and triplets, Marcus, Jarrett, and Ciara Sonoga , all of Hermitage, two great grandchildren, Gianna Marie and Olivia Rose (his latest addition) Sonoga, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his wife who he referred to as his angel, he was preceded in death by his brother Leonard P. Sonoga who died in 2008.

His family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all the physicians and nurses who cared for their father at UPMC Horizon Hospital.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggest that memorial contributions be made in his memory to First Assembly of God 1455 North Keel Ridge Road, Hermitage, Pa. 16148.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (2-24-12) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 1090 E. State St. Sharon, and from 10:30 until the time of service on Saturday in First Assembly of God, Hermitage.

To post a tribute or to view the obituary on line, visit the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Services: A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday (2-25-12) in First Assembly of God, Hermitage with Rev. Kenneth E. Martin, senior pastor officiating.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.