Greece: May 7, 2026. Barbara is predeceased by her parents, Joseph & Rose Leonardi. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Sotile; daughters, Tammy (Richard) Marcucci, Christina Annucci, & Sandra Knaak; grandchildren, Thomas (Breanne) Marcucci, Jenna (Pete) Buckley, Nicholas (Emily) Marcucci, Ross Mulcahy; great-grandchildren, Reese Buckley, Chase Buckley, Gemma Marcucci, & Gia Marcucci. Several nieces, nephews, cousins, & dear friends.

Barbara’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Tuesday, May 12th, 1 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 2400 W. Ridge Rd. Immediately following, Barbara will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Life Story of Barbara A. Sotile
Barbara Sotile’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion to the people around her. Born on April 14, 1937, in Rochester, Barbara was the youngest daughter of Joe and Rose Leonardi, alongside her sisters, Norma Burnett and Marge Covella. Raised in a close-knit Italian family, Barbara learned early the importance of hard work, integrity, and caring for others – values that would guide her throughout her life.

Her parents owned Ace Cleaners, and Barbara proudly worked in the family business through her high school years. Those early experiences helped shape her determined spirit and deep sense of responsibility. She attended Sacred Heart School for elementary education and later graduated from Nazareth Academy, where lifelong friendships and cherished memories began to blossom. One of her earliest and dearest friendships started in grammar school with her beloved friend Rosie, a bond Barbara treasured throughout her life.

As a young girl, Barbara had a very special dog named Cindy, whose companionship brought her endless joy. Barbara’s caring and nurturing nature was evident even then, as she formed deep connections not only with family and friends, but with anyone fortunate enough to know her.

Barbara attended SUNY Brockport for one year, studying business courses before beginning a career as an insurance agent. She was intelligent, curious, and always eager to learn – someone who sought knowledge and wisdom throughout her life. Her authenticity and integrity stood out in every room she entered, and people were naturally drawn to her warmth and energy. She had a gift for making everyone feel comfortable, welcomed, and included.

One summer at Canandaigua Lake, Barbara met the love of her life, Tom. Their love story blossomed into a marriage on May 18, 1957, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, laughter, and devotion. Together they raised three daughters – Tammy, Tina, and Sandra – who became the center of Barbara’s world. Family was always her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.

Barbara’s parents owned a cottage at Conesus Lake, where countless summer memories were made. Those lake days became treasured family traditions filled with swimming, laughter, card games, cooking, and gatherings that reflected Barbara’s love of entertaining and bringing people together. The family also shared many wonderful island vacations – adventures Barbara embraced with enthusiasm and gratitude.

Barbara lived life fully and joyfully. She loved bowling on league with her sisters and cousins, working BINGO at Holy Apostles, participating in the Cruisin’ Club, playing Scrabble and dominos, and spending evenings watching Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, The Golden Girls, and The Sound of Music. She enjoyed reading, movies, casino trips, bingo, vacations, and swimming, and she was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees. Music filled her home and heart, especially the voices of Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, Barbra Streisand, and Kenny Rogers.

Friendships remained one of Barbara’s greatest treasures throughout her life. She shared a close and lasting bond with her longtime neighbor and dear friend Barbara Johnston, as well as Nancy Ferrari, who became not only a favorite boss, but a cherished lifelong friend.

Barbara faced every challenge in life with remarkable strength and grace. Determined and tenacious, she never allowed hardships to define her. Instead, she leaned on the wisdom passed down from her parents, who had the greatest influence on the woman she became. One of her favorite sayings, “Don’t bring on tomorrow’s troubles,” reflected the practical wisdom and steady perspective she carried through life.

If asked to describe Barbara in five words, they would surely be loving, kind, nurturing, authentic, and full of integrity. Yet even those words only begin to capture the depth of who she was. Barbara’s greatest legacy will forever live on through the unique and special bond she shared with each of her children and grandchildren. Through her unconditional love, unwavering support, and example of a life well-lived, she taught her family the true meaning and depths of love.

Barbara leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories – of laughter around the table, summer days at the lake, songs playing in the background, card games with family, and quiet moments of comfort and care. Most of all, she leaves behind the lasting gift of how she made people feel: deeply loved, accepted, and never alone.