Mr. Carmine Sonnacchio

Carmine Sonnacchio October 31, 1947 – August 23, 2026 With deep love and gratitude, we announce the passing of our dad, Carmine Sonnacchio, born October 31, 1947, in Sulmona, Italy. Carmine lived a life defined by devotion, strength, and heart. He served his country proudly, loved his family fiercely, and filled every room with laughter, kindness, and stories that will be remembered for generations. After immigrating to the United States in the 4th grade and graduating from Cortland High School in 1967, Carmine began a distinguished military career that spanned more than three decades. He served on active duty in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971, including deployment to Tuy Hoa, Vietnam. In 1974, he joined the Air National Guard, serving with the 174th Attack Wing at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base in Syracuse, New York, until his retirement in 2003. Carmine served with honor during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War, and Operation Enduring Freedom, earning numerous decorations for his dedication, leadership, and sacrifice. As proud as he was of his service, Carmine’s greatest joy was always his family. He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Brenda Hoyt Sonnacchio, building a life filled with love, laughter, loyalty, and steady support. His family was his heart, and he showed that love in the way he cared, provided, protected, celebrated, and was always present for the people he cherished most. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Brenda; his children, Rhonda (Dwayne) Gregoire, Vincenzo (Andrea) Sonnacchio, and Carmine Sonnacchio; his grandchildren, Joshua (Daniella) Gregoire, Jacob (Jade) Gregoire, Jordyn Boyd (Rashaad), Jianna Gregoire, Ethan (Caitlin) Sonnacchio, Meghan Sonnacchio, Nadia Sonnacchio, Madasyn McUmber (Remington), Aidan Sonnacchio, and Sawyer Westendorf; his cherished great-grandchildren, Cooper, Kinsley, Nash, Karson, and Mara; and several nieces and nephews whom he cherished like his own children. Carmine is also survived by his brothers, Giuseppe (Lina) Sonnacchio and Gino Sonnacchio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincenzo Sonnacchio and Elia Yacovone Sonnacchio, as well as his brother, Gennaro Sonnacchio. Carmine enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, bocce ball, and golfing, and he loved being outdoors, telling stories, sharing jokes, and making people feel welcome. He had a gift for turning simple moments into lasting memories—whether through a good story, a warm laugh, or the way he made neighbors and friends feel like family. His warmth, humor, generosity, and genuine care left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Carmine’s legacy of service, love, laughter, and devotion will live on through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His life was a beautiful example of hard work, loyalty, humor, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Church, Cortland 50 Pomeroy Street, Cortland, NY 13045 on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. The family will receive friends from 8:30-10:30 a.m. prior to mass in the church. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 4101 West Road, Cortland, NY 13045 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Homer Elks Club or the VFW Cortland. Arrangements are under the direction or Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. www.riccardifuneralhome.com

Mr. Carmine Sonnacchio

October 31, 1947 - August 23, 2026