Michele "Mike" Sofia, 80, a resident of Arnold, died on April 30, 2012 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD.
He was born in Baltimore and baptized at St. Leo's Church in Little Italy, was raised in Palermo, Italy, and returned to the U.S. at age 18. He was the youngest of 12 siblings.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1961. He married in 1955 at St. Leo's and has been married for the past 57 years.

Mike worked as a Pipe Fitter at Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore for over 4 years. Once leaving the shipyard, he became a self-employed Master Barber in Baltimore until his retirement in 1994. Later in 1994, he and his wife came to Arnold, MD.

He was very active with his church, serving as a Eucharistic Minister and an Usher at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Severna Park.

He enjoyed gardening and took pride in raising his fig trees.

He is survived by his wife, Giovanna Sofia; one daughter, Dr. Carmela A. Sofia of Fall River, MA; two sons, Michael J. Sofia, Ph.D (wife Charlene) of Doylestown, PA and John M. Sofia (wife Jean) of Newark, DE; and four grandchildren, Jacqueline, Michelle, Jason, and Blaz.

Family and friends may visit on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, May 4, 2012 at 10:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, 21146. Interment will be in the Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Baltimore, MD.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, 689 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park 21146.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com