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‘He was kindness personified’ LHS icon Frank Sofia passes away at age 81; many tributes are posted By Russ Tarby Contributing writer
coordinator, a position he held for two decades. He also worked tirelessly for the LHS Alumni Association by becoming the go-to person for class reunions, producing a newsletter for graduates called The Smoke Signal and staging an annual alumni dinner dance. Besides watching sports, he enjoyed cooking, photography and shopping at the Regional Market. The news of his passing last week triggered an instant outpouring of tributes from Sofia’s former students on social media sites such as the Growing Up in Liverpool Facebook page. “He was kindness personified,” wrote Debbie Busko Hearne class of ’71. “Best ever teacher, student supporter and all aound great guy,” wrote Bob Ricks, who added, “I hope he’s buried with a varsity L.” Hal Wood, class of 1968, recalled a fire-engine red 1966 Pontiac LeMans convertible which Sofia purchased shortly after he began his LHS career in 1965. “He would lend this gorgeous car to teenagers like me,” Wood wrote. “He even showed us the switch so we could drop the top.”
Frank Sofia was much more than a good teacher. For more than a half century at Liverpool High School, he was an icon. He was an inspiration. “Frank was all about school spirit,” said his former LHS colleague Joe Riposo who taught music there for three decades. “The classroom was only one aspect, and he taught social studies.” But Frank understood that extra-curricular activities, student government and athletics were also important parts of the high school experience. “He started a pep club and was advisor to the student council,” Riposo recalled. “He helped to establish the first senior lounge and organized the homecoming parades. He had a definite impact on many, many students. He made it enjoyable for students to come to school.” Frank Sofia died Jan. 26, after a convalescence at an assisted-living facility. He was 81 years old. After spending 35 years in the classroom, he had retired from teaching in 2000, but before long Sofia was asked to return as the LHS stadium
Pictured is a plaque honoring Frank Sofia’s contributions to the Liverpool schools. Sofia was named to the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. Mike Barbato, from the class of 1984, remembered how most students referred to Sofia simply as “S.” “S created a community and tradition at Liverpool High School which was based on kindness, equality and inclusion,” Barbato wrote. “That is difficult to do anywhere but he was able to do that year after year in one of the largest high
Half-million dollars requested Ten village businesses could use funds for storefront improvements By Russ Tarby Contributing Writer
A
t the monthly meeting of the Village of Liverpool Board of Trustees on Monday, Jan. 30, Mayor Gary White reported that the village’s application for funding from Village Main Street Program was delivered Jan. 23 to Onondaga County Community Development. If awarded, some $500,000 will pay for storefront and streetscape improvements at 10 different village businesses. That’s the maximum amount available to each village, town or hamlet that applies. The Liverpool businesses that have applied include Ancora Productions at 101 Second St. The innovative studio production agency needs $191,664 to complete its project. Heid’s of Liverpool is requesting $129,000 to spruce up its classic art deco exterior. Liverpool Lumber at 201
N. Willow St. has applied for $68,500. “Those are the biggest projects in our application,” said Village Clerk Mary Ellen Sims. An initial round of Main Street funding was administered in 2021. Some of the money for the Village Main Street program comes from the $89 million which Onondaga County received from the federal American Rescue Plan.
Eight DWIs in December
Police Chief Jerry Unger reported that his officers made 136 traffic stops and issued 155 citations for violations of the state’s vehicle and traffic laws in December 2022. Fourteen accidents were investigated here last month, and eight motorists were arrested for driving while intoxicated. Officers made 146 residential checks and 117 business checks in October while responding to a total of 515 incidents and calls for service.
schools in Central New York.” Class of ’71 graduate Anthony Joseph – who went on to become an educator himself – called Sofia a “one-of-a-kind gentleman, teacher and human being. His legacy is what future teachers need to aspire to.” Former student Anne (Wood) Smith put it this way: “Frank Sofia was the epitome of Liverpool High School.”
His faculty colleagues agreed. Longtime Warriors football coach and athletic director George Mangicaro appreciated the way Sofia handled his job as stadium supervisor. After the new stadium with its synthetic turf was constructed in 2010, many people wanted to rent the facilSofia l Page 2
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The LPD arrested 32 individuals last month on 63 criminal charges.
Annual police stats
Unger also shared his department’s 2022 statistics. Over the past 12 months, the LPD made 2,522 traffic stops, issued 2,610 traffic tickets, made 24 arrests for driving while intoxicated and investigated 105 accidents. The officers wrote 54 parking tickets, made 1,093 residential checks and 2,930 business checks. Officers responded to 7,353 incidents and calls for service, an average of more than 20 calls a day. The LPD arrested 528 individuals last year with 700 criminal charges filed.
Overnight parking ban in effect
From now through April 15 parking along most village streets is banned from midnight to 8 a.m. In the village business district, parking on the street is prohibited from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Submitted photo
Pictured is the North Syracuse Blind Date with a Book display. By Amanda Roberts NOPL Creative Director The Northern Onondaga Public Library branches came together to create the Adult
Winter Reading Challenge that started in early January. Anyone can jump in and join in the fun, as winners are drawn bi-weekly! Prizes inNOPL l Page 2
Assemblyman to hold town hall on state budget
State Assemblyman Al Stirpe will hold a 2023 budget town hall from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, at NOPL Cicero Library Branch, 8686 Knowledge Lane. Discussed will be what residents would like to see in this year’s state budget. All are welcome. Anyone with questions or concerns can reach Stirpe at stirpea@ nyassembly.gov or 315-452-1115.
Volume 131, Number 6 The Star-Review is published weekly by Eagle News. Office of Publication: 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Periodical Postage Paid at Syracuse, NY 13220, USPS 316060. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Star-Review, 2501 James St., Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.
SCHOOL NEWS: LCSD students receive Junior High All-County Honors.
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sports news: Hoop Warriors to battle C-NS, West Genesee.
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Calendar ������������������ 12 death notices ��������� 10 Editorial ��������������������� 4 letters ������������������������ 5
Obituaries ���������������� 10 PennySaver ���������������� 6 Sports ����������������������� 11