Michael J. Sofo

Michael Joseph Sofo, 67, went to his eternal rest, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Mike was a pillar of the Toledo community and a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School. A devout Catholic, he had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. His faith was woven into every part of his life, including his work, where he often opened meetings with prayer. Many of those prayers were written in his own words, offering guidance, gratitude, and encouragement to those gathered with him.

As CEO of Sofo Foods and a founding member of Bellissimo Foods, Mike grew the small regional food distribution company started by his father, Joe, into one of the largest Italian food distributors in the country. From its corporate headquarters in Toledo and satellite locations in Georgia, Texas, and Florida, Sofo Foods serves thousands of restaurants and pizzerias each week. Mike had a brilliant mind for business and served as a trusted career mentor to many.

Mike was larger than life and always had the biggest smile on his face. He was the ultimate entertainer, and loved welcoming family and friends to his table, where there was always a full feast. His perfect day was spent on the water at the helm of his boat, cutting through the clear blue waters around Marco Island. He treasured time with Julie at their "happy place", their home on Marco Island overlooking the Gulf. As busy as he was, Mike always took time to stop and savor a beautiful sunset. He also enjoyed winter trips up north with his family, where they would snowmobile, make pizzas, and gather around the fireplace telling stories. Fishing trips aboard his boat, "What Boat", brought him great joy, and sunset cruises were his specialty.

Above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He was the loving husband of Julie Sofo, whom he affectionately called "Juliana," a proud father of seven children, and the beloved "Nonno" of ten grandchildren.

Born on November 24, 1958, to Jean and Joe Sofo, Mike was preceded in death by his father Joseph Sofo. He is survived by his loving mother, Jean Sofo; his devoted wife, Juliana Sofo; his children, Nicole, Michael (Kaylee), Christopher (Olivia): his stepchildren, Dominic (Kate), Danielle (Zach), Sam, and Jacob; his siblings, Cindy (Terry) Baker, Tony (Vee) Sofo, Connie (Dan) Koelsch, and Joe (Kim) Sofo; and his ten grandchildren, Arie, Keira, Maeva, Oakley, Haven, Isobel, Sunny, Olive, Daniel, and Stanley.

Visitation for Mike will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 4-8 pm at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH, and Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 12-7 p.m. at the funeral home. A Prayer Service will take place each evening beginning at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2026, beginning at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main Street, Sylvania, OH. Burial will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial donations in Mike's name may be made to any Toledo Diocese Charity.

"Here I will show and offer all my love, my compassion, my help and protection. I am your merciful Mother. I will hear their weeping and their Sorrows, their necessities and misfortunes. Listen, and let it penetrate your heart. Do not fear any illness or vexation, anguish or pain. Am I not here, who am your Mother? Are you not under my shadow and protection? Are you not in the folds of my mantle, in the crossing of my arms? Is there anything else you need? * Message from Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego