Chaz Sofranec

Charles Angelo "Chaz" Sofranec passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, November 28, ending a life-long battle with brain tumors. He was born on March 2, 1983 in Metairie, La., the second son of Rick and Patty Sofranec. An outgoing and affectionate child, he was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor as a toddler. Over the course of his 31 years he endured several surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy and a lifetime maximum of radiation. Still, Chaz led a fairly normal life, thanks to his three brothers, his parents and a tight circle of family and friends. He graduated East Jefferson High School, choosing a tattoo over a class ring to mark the occasion. He was athletic but could not play organized sports. He yearned for adolescent independence but was unable to get a drivers license or work at a job for very long. Despite these seeming limitations, Chaz was never limited in friends. He touched the lives of those around him and his impact was lasting. He and his older brother J.D. shared the same circle of friends growing up, and became each other's closest friend and supporter. Throughout his life, Chaz generally remained cheerful and optimistic, relying on his faith to overcome bouts of depression or self-pity. He kept up a lively presence on Facebook, and in the last few years, when he wasn’t playing Words With Friends, he was perfecting his hoop skills in the back yard. He had a gift for making people laugh, even in the final stages of his illness. He was a favorite uncle, a trusted brother, a loyal friend, a loving son and a beloved grandson who kept in touch. He is survived by his father, Rick Sofranec, his mother Patty Sofranec Cundiff and her husband Ariel Cundiff, his brothers J.D. Sofranec, Nick Sofranec and Patrick Sofranec, his dear friend Miss Bonnie Cundiff, and his paternal grandmother Margaret C. Sofranec. His large extended family includes two nephews and two nieces, along with dozens of cousins, uncles and aunts. They will always remember him fondly for his funny and creative rapping ability, his uninhibited break dancing, his razor-sharp memory for events affecting those he loved, and for his sweet nature. Chaz loved people — especially his family. He was beloved in return, and will be sorely missed. He is now released from pain, fear and suffering. He will always live in our hearts. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Memorial Service in the Chapel of Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 12:00 pm. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hospice Associates. To view and sign the family guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.