Obituaries

John “Jack” J. Sodak, 57

December 13, 2021

John “Jack” J. Sodak, 57, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021 unexpectedly at home. Born in Old Forge, PA he was the son of Romaine T. (Talalai) Sodak and the late John G. Sodak. He was the loving husband to Stephanie (Smith) Sodak and a devoted father to his children, Connor and Olivia.

Jack was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He received his Master’s degree from Marywood University. He was an accomplished drug and alcohol therapist for over 30 years, and most recently was the Vice President of Mental Health Services at Retreat Behavioral Health in Akron, PA. He was an avid hiker and traveler, and enjoyed vacationing in the Outer Banks as well as 4×4 off-roading on the beach. He was a gifted poet and had an eclectic taste in music. Most of all, he cherished Sunday drives and spending time with his family.
Jack is survived by his wife Stephanie; his children: Connor Sodak of Chestnut Hill and Olivia Sodak of Lancaster; his siblings: Chris Lishok wife of John of Factoryville, PA and Cindy Smithfield of Marietta as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and his brother-in-law Bob Smithfield.

Family and friends will be received from 6PM-8PM on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10AM on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family and friends will be received from 9AM until the time of service. Interment will follow at Conestoga Memorial Park, 95 2nd Lock Road, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

February 13, 2024

Dr. Seuss said it best..”Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” 
Mary Rose Durkin

February 13, 2024

May you find comfort Stephanie in loving memories, strength in the support of those who care and Hope in each new day  Mary Rose Durkin

February 13, 2024

Life well Lived….
A Life well lived is a precious gift, of Hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. it’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure.  A living, lasting memory our grateful hearts’s will treasure. 
it was great to see you earlier this evening Stephanie. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.  Mary Rose Durkin

December 23, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss ! Jack was a awesome guy I was lucky enough to have met and got to hang out with when I worked at the Old Forge Burger King .I sometimes think back to the time we drove down to Wild Wood .  What a Great Man !

December 18, 2021

What an amazing person..  I met him when my son went to rehab after work/school..  He truly cared about his clients. The field has lost someone who truly wanted to see the people succeed.

December 17, 2021

Stephanie, Connor, and Olivia,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack’s passing.  Jack was a great guy and I have many memories talking to Jack over backyard cocktails and cigars.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  
Pat Garvey

December 16, 2021

Stephanie (and family), my heart is so sad for you at this time of loss. I can tell from the several snippets that I have read that your husband was a wonderful giant of a person, loving and loved. Be thankful for the years together, the memories, and the blessedness of the life that was and the life that is eternal. God be with you now and always, in comfort, in peace, and in joy to come. Jenice Rutherford

December 16, 2021

Jack was always a kind, considerate and thoughtful person who genuinely cared about  helping others. My thoughts are with his family- sorry for your loss.

December 16, 2021

Dear Sodak family: I was so saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. As former coordinator of the Clinical Psychology program at Millersviille University, Jack was a fine colleague who supervised internships for our graduate students for several years. He was the ONLY field supervisor in my 33 years’ experience at MU who would call me each semester to discuss how our students were doing in their field experiences. He had a caring, down-to-earth and “no-nonsense” approach to clinical work in the addictions and that was the basis for our professional bond. No field supervisor since Jack has devoted the time and attention to the care and nurturing of a new generation of therapists that he did. His contribution to the mental health world in this area has been great and he leaves behind shoes that simply cannot be filled. God bless him.
The world is worse off without Jack’s kindness, wisdom and caring and I shall miss him and his engaging “check in” phone calls for the rest of my life. May God watch over you in your grief. 
Dr. Claudia J. Haferkamp, retired Millersviolle Psychology professor

December 16, 2021

Dear Sodak family – Words cannot express the heartbreak. I met Jack when Rehab After Work was in our office at Behavioral Healthcare Consultants.  He was always smiling and so very pleasant to work with and be around.  His passion for his job was evident everyday.  My prayers are with you and your family.  God Bless.

December 16, 2021

Stephanie,   So sorry to read of Jack’s passing. Sincere sympathy to you, Connor, Olivia, & family. Shirley Naniewicz 🙏😘

December 16, 2021

Stephanie and family – I was so saddened to hear this news!  I’ve known Jack through the recovery community for 15+ years.  His personal impact on my family during very challenging times was tremendous and clearly heartfelt.  He had such a positive impact on so many struggling with addiction and their families.  Not only is this a devasting loss for your family, it is also a huge loss to the recovery community.  I will always remember him with warmth and respect.  Prayers of peace and comfort for you.  

December 16, 2021

Dearest Stephanie & Your Precious Family, My deepest sympathies.
Praying God’s peace and comfort as you go through this time.
Hugs to you.
 

December 16, 2021

Stephanie and family-I just heard the news this morning of Jack’s passing. I am heartbroken for you. Please know you will be in my prayers in the days ahead. Marilyn Howell

December 16, 2021

Stephanie, so sorry to see this. Thoughts go out to you and your family. — Scott Kennedy

December 16, 2021

Jack counseled my daughter about 15 years ago. He left such a positive impact on our family and I remember him as so kind and caring. My sincerest condolences to your family for your loss. 

December 15, 2021

Jack was a good man… Consummate professional who cared about his patience and the work that he was doing to further Retreat Behavioral Health’s mission. He is I enjoy talking music was Jack and I feel like I have lost a friend. Trisha entire family I send my deepest condolences. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Jack my friend may you rest in eternal peace. 🙏🏻

December 15, 2021

 I knew Jack for many years and eventually worked for him at Rehab after Work. I learned some important things from him that I relied on in my career, which I ended earlier this year. My condolences to his family. May he now rest in peace.

December 15, 2021

To Stephanie and the entire Sodak family,
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Jack.  Jack was an old friend from our days together in Old Forge.  He was always a great friend, and I will always cherish the time we spent together.  My deepest condolences to his family.

December 15, 2021

Jack will be greatly missed by his loving family. He was a very special cousin to me and I will cherish all our memories spending summers together in our childhood years. Just like his dad, my Uncle Jack, he made us laugh and feel loved always. A great loss to this world, may you rest in peace my dear cousin.

December 15, 2021

Jack was my outpatient counselor over 13 years ago at Rehab after work. I am still clean today with his help. I got the opportunity to see him a few years ago when I briefly worked at Retreat and tell him that he helped me get clean. I know he helped so many people. He has an amazing legacy to leave behind. My deepest condolences to Jack’s family and friends for this tragic loss. 

December 15, 2021

Love people with all of your heart when you have the chance. I worked with Jack while he was at Caron in 2004. What a kind and beautiful soul- who turned me on to Pa Dutch crème filled donuts. Thank you Jack. You will be missed.

December 15, 2021

A gentle Giant of a man. I met him at the Retreat several years ago. Jack was always kind and polite to me. He is a Good man to me. I will miss this man. It’s not easy to meet men like Jack anymore. Remember, I met Jack at the Retreat during a Training day years (2016) ago, and remembered my name every training after that.
Ted Dickerson

December 15, 2021

So sorry for your loss.  Some of the best Christmas memories we have are getting together on Christmas night for our yearly visit.  Jack was a Great story teller.   
Carol Gilbody

December 15, 2021

Jack-You were so encouraging and believed in me when even I couldn’t. There will be a huge hole in the world without you here. I hope we can make you proud. You will be so missed. 
Kate DeArmas

December 15, 2021

Jack my friend what happenned? Stephanie, Connor, Olivia – I know words can’t capture the Sadness…
I attended Marywood’s MSW program with Jack(your Dad) and we saw each other periodically over the years. 
Last time we visited was only a few months ago. I’m profoundly sorry and will keep all of you in my prayers
 
Sean F. Conaboy

December 15, 2021

Love you Brother, I’ll miss our deep talks and your big laugh….. 

December 15, 2021

i knew Jack in my role as DASPOP Chairman when Jack was on the DASPOP Board.  I always valued his advice.  I will miss him terribly.

December 15, 2021

Jack saved my life twice by getting me in to Retreat Behavioral Health when I was at the lowest and darkest times of my life.  He even came to visit me on at least once occasion both times offering me anything I might have needed.  He was a truly selfless man and went above and beyond to ensure that I received the care that I desperately needed.  I just accepted and started a job as a behavioral health nurse and was going to call and tell Jack the good news but never got that chance.  Jack’s legend will live on through the compassion, care, dignity and respect I show others suffering from mental health issues, much like Jack did for me.  This would not be possible without Jack.  Rest In Peace Jack!  I’ll make you proud.

Visitation
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
414 East King Street
Lancaster, PA 17602
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Visitation
Thursday, December 16, 2021
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
119 S. Prince Street
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Thursday, December 16, 2021
10:00 AM
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
119 S. Prince Street
Lancaster, PA
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