Renato Leandro Sozio

Renato Leandro Sozio was born on March 8, 1931 in San Pietro Avellana, Italy to Raffaela and Luigi Sozio. He was the youngest of 3 siblings and his older sisters, Teresina and Nelia, doted on him. As a young boy, Renato and his friends played in the fields and hills surrounding the town, played soccer, skied, and rode bikes in the piazza. At school, he was in the same class as his future wife, Ines, from kindergarten onward. They were friendly, but not best friends. As they tell it, Renato kept with the boys around his house and Ines kept with the girls around her house. They both tell of Renato sitting behind Ines in class and dipping her pigtails in his inkwell. 



When WWII broke out, their town was invaded by the Germans. As his grandchildren got older and studied the events of WWII, they would often ask their Nonno about his experiences during that time. They particularly liked hearing the story of when he and his friend were returning home and saw someone coming up the road. As it was dusk, it was difficult for them to identify this stranger. They desperately wanted to hide, but could not step off the road as mines had been placed alongside the road. The boys were so scared that they wet their pants. As they got closer, they were relieved to see it was an English soldier. They informed the soldier that the Germans were gone. They also told the English soldiers that the Germans had bombed their local bridge. The grandchildren also liked to hear him tell of being a “mascot” for the Italian Army. While in the refugee camp, the soldiers would allow him to hang around and wash dishes for them. He was able to eat with them in exchange for his helpfulness. He told of inspections from the Army doctor and of traveling to a nearby town with the dining caravan. After their town was destroyed, everyone was forced to evacuate. Renato came to Alexandria with his family while his friend, Ines, went to New York with her family.

In Alexandria, Renato attended George Washington High School. He remembers a teacher suggesting that he join the football team. Because he loved to play soccer, he looked forward to joining the "football" team at his new school. The first time they put a football in his hand, he didn't know what to do with it. Someone pointed down the field and said "Run!" He soon decided that this was the wrong type of football.


 Renato was a Navy Veteran. He served from 1951 through 1955 aboard the USS Bairoko during the Korean Conflict. He was proud to enlist and felt privileged to do his duty for his new country. When he was recruited, he was told of the possibility of being sent to Italy. His hope of seeing Italy again outweighed his fear of the water. Even with instruction and much practice, Renato never learned to swim. In order to meet the Navy swimming requirements, he was eventually provided a life preserver.

Both Renato’s and Ines’ mothers stayed in close contact after moving to America. Finally, seven years after leaving Italy, Renato and Ines were excited to see each other again! They began dating and this was the beginning of a true love story.

On September 8, 1956 Renato exchanged wedding vows with Ines Delia Musilli at St. Benedict Joseph Catholic Church in Richmond Hill, New York. They began their married life in Alexandria, living upstairs from his parents in the house that his father built (with his help) on Spring Street. When their second child was born, Renato and Ines bought their own home around the corner from his parents.     

While the children were growing up, Renato became happily involved in their activities. He went on camping trips with the Girl and Boy Scouts, cooked the fundraising spaghetti dinners during Bingo at St. Mary's Elementary School, took neighborhood children on ski trips, and conducted local and out-of-town soccer camps. He actually taught some of the Scout Leaders how to cook spaghetti over an open campfire. Soccer continued to be a lifelong interest of his. Renato was instrumental in helping to start the Alexandria Soccer Association. He coached many teams over the years and is fondly remembered by his former players. Family members are still sometimes asked by complete strangers if they are Sozio’s. Renato also loved spending time at his mountain property outside of Winchester. He spent every free weekend camping on the property with his family while he designed and hand-built their dream vacation home. It was a 20-year labor of love. His children remember being used as child labor each time he said “Go get that thing over there!” Once the house was finished, it became their favorite refuge. 


Renato’s faith was an important part of his life. He has been a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church since 1947. After his marriage to Ines, she also joined St. Mary’s. Renato served as an usher for a great many years and became a volunteer at St. Mary's Cemetery after his retirement.

Renato was a devoted husband and loving father to their five children: Anna, Sandra, Louis, Marialisa, and Joseph. He had six grandchildren who were very blessed to have him for their Nonno: Maylin, Emily, Christopher, Matthew, Andrew, and Elizabeth. He was a talented woodworker and his grandchildren loved spending time in the garage with him. He also had two great-grandchildren: Wilder and Isabel.

 Renato was truly a great man who helped create happiness for generations. His friends and family will always remember him as a kind, compassionate, warm-hearted man. People felt lucky to know him. He had a good soul and always had interesting stories to tell. He was undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind man. His family is fortunate to have had him as their Dad, Nonno, and Bis-Nonno. Renato leaves behind him a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Renato passed away on October 5, 2021 at Virginia Hospital Center. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ines. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of St. Mary and Renato was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery on October 18, 2021.