was kindnEss PERsonifiEd’

By Russ TaRBy

Contributing writer

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 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.”

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 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 facil -

Half-million

By Russ TaRBy Contributing writer

At 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