Gregory M. Sodetz's Obituary
Gregory (Greg) Martin Sodetz, 62, of Land O’ Lakes Florida, passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023. Greg was born in Chicago Heights, IL on November 21, 1960.
Greg grew up in Homewood, IL and then moved to Naples, FL in 1984 and lived in Land O’ Lakes, FL the last 16 years. He was a graduate of Illinois State University.
Greg was a golf professional in the early 80’s. During the late 80’s and 90’s, Greg was a Charter Boat Captain in Naples, FL where he ran The Dalis among other charter boats. He loved taking tourists offshore fishing, and often commented that being a Charter Boat Captain never felt like work to him because he loved doing it so much. In 2000, Greg became a realtor and enjoyed rehabbing houses.
The last 3 years, Greg worked at Quail Hollow Elementary where he loved being part of the Quail family.
Greg is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Jennie; his adoring children, Samantha of Chicago, IL and Matthew of Land O’ Lakes, FL. He is also survived by his brother Mark (Perle Raidonis), sister Audrey (Joe) Samara, brother Steve (Nancy) Sodetz, and sister-in-law Lynn Wellman along with 5 nephews, Rick Darrow, Adam Samara, Ben Samara, Chad Samara, Brett Sodetz and 1 niece Brooke Sodetz.
Greg was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the young age of 9. He bravely managed his diabetes for 53 years and never complained, even though he took over 75,000 insulin injections over the course of his life.
When we remember Greg, we will remember how he loved watching his children’s sporting events and was extremely proud of his children’s academic accomplishments. Greg loved to fish, play golf, do puzzles and spend time working around the yard. He loved listening to Elton John, 80’s rock and alternative music and even appreciated a good country song now and then. Greg also loved watching the FL Gators football games. Most of all, Greg loved spending time with his family. During the last 5 months of his life, Greg showed us how unbelievably brave he was. He was an amazing, kind person who will be missed greatly. We all have been honored and blessed to have Greg in our lives. Sweet dreams, sweet Greg, until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
www.jdrf.org
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