On the morning of March 31, 2014, Jay Michael Sodini passed away after a hard fought battle with Diabetes. Jay was 54 years old.
Jay was born in Merrill on March 19, 1958 to Donald Lawrence (deceased) and Joan Lola Sodini.
Jay leaves behind many brothers and sisters who loved him dearly: Vicky (Bill) Davis, Merrill; Renee (Marty) Greenhill, Dover, TN; twin brother John (Natalie), Edwardsville, IL; Michelle, Matteson, IL; Michael (Laura), Chicago, IL. Jay is survived by his wife Leandrea, Edwardsville, IL; daughter Nicole and his grandson Nathan., Maryville, IL; son Geno, Arnold, MO; and stepson Robert, Orlando, FL; stepdaughter Ashley, Kalispell, MT.
After attending grade school in the Merrill area, Jay relocated with his family to Louisville, KY in 1972. Jay attended Bishop David High School and achieved many awards for basketball, including the all-time leading scorer in Bishop David History. After graduating high school, he accepted a scholarship to Mckendrie College and finished his career with NAIA First Team All-America honors. Jay then transitioned into his second love, becoming a police officer. He joined the Sauget Police Department (Sauget, IL) and was a dedicated public servant for 20 years. Jay was a member of the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad, member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Defensive Tactics and Firearms Instructor and a member of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Jay spent most of his career partnered with his best friend Vito Parisi, working side by side with a friend he trusted and respected. In the many dangerous situations Jay encountered throughout his career, he lived by the words in Psalm: 27 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation- so why should I be afraid?”
Jay retired from the Police Department in 2001 and spent 10 years as a sales rep in the medical device industry, selling to radiologist and neurologist. On occasion Jay would get together with his friends Vito and Frank and enjoy a cigar on the patio of Frank’s restaurant. Finally, with his health declining, Jay entered Barnes Jewish Hospital in 2013 and was in intensive care for 14 days. Doctors were able to restart Jay’s heart on two separate occasions. After a month in the hospital, Jay was released and was working on getting accepted for a kidney transplant at St. Louis University Hospital. His daily dialysis treatments, medications and overall medical needs were taken care of by the loving care of Leandrea. Unfortunately, that day never came. As a family, we watched Jay battle (and suffer) with all the diabetes related issues. We are grateful God gave Jay another year with his family, time for Jay to continue to strengthen his relationship with God. A year for his family and loved ones to hear Jay say… I love you!
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Diabetes Foundation in Jay’s name. A memorial service will be held at a later date.