John Bernard (Bernie) Sotak. Sr., after recently celebrating his 95th birthday, Bernie Sotak has taken his final bike ride into the sunset, passing away February 15, 2025.
Formerly of Star Junction, PA he has been a Peninsula resident for 65 years.
Bernie was a Navy veteran. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University before completing his education and graduating from Christopher Newport College of the College of William and Mary. He retired from Newport News Shipbuilding in 1992.
He was born the son of Slovak immigrants. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia and Joseph; brothers, Joe, Albert, Andy, and Edward; and sister, Mary. Nancy, his wife of 59 years, preceded him in death in 2022.
He is survived by his children, Debbi (Kevin), Karen (Chris) and Bernie, Jr. (Amy); grandchildren, Olivia (Kyle), Eric, and Christopher; great-grandson, Levi; as well as his sister Bernadette Szabo; nieces, Suzanne and Alyson, and nephews, SJ, Josh, Paul, Mike, and Chris.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Peninsula Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Peninsula SPCA or the Virginia Symphony.
