Thomas H. Soja

Thomas H. Soja 89, of Torrington, peacefully passed away on January 7, 2024, in the comfort of his own home with his family by his side.

He was born on January 22,1934, in Bridgeport CT and moved to Torrington with his family at an early age. Tom loved sports and was a member of the Torrington 1951 Naugatuck Valley League Champion Baseball Team. He was also named to the All -Century Team as one of the top 20 players in 100 years of Torrington High School Basketball and was inducted into The Torrington High School Hall of Fame. From 1952 to 1954, Tom played Minor League Baseball in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Georgia. He served in the United States Armed Services from 1954 to 1956. Tom was a proud member of The Varsity Alumni Club and coached many Basketball and Baseball Teams throughout his life. Tom loved to celebrate kids throughout their careers at many sporting events and could always be seen in the stands cheering them on. The New York Yankees, Green Bay Packers and all UConn Sports dominated the Living Room TV. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club where he enjoyed bowling duckpins. You could always find him at Eastwoods Golf Course or playing in The Brother-in-Law League at Fairview with his son and good friends. He will be missed by all.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Soja of Torrington, his daughter Deanna Joyce, husband Brian of Waterbury and his son Thomas J. Soja, wife Tami of Torrington. He also leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters Eleanor Skutt (Paul), Irene Poit (Howard), Elsie Landi (Romolo), Marge Videtto and brother Edward Soja (Janet). Tom was an exceptional husband, father, uncle, great uncle, mentor, coach, parishioner, neighbor, and a great friend to all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 837 Charles St., Torrington, CT. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at St. Paul’s Church. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Torrington Varsity Alumni Club Scholarship Fund, P. O. Box 281, Torrington, CT 06790