Michael Soha

Michael H. Soha, 51, of 100 Ocean Parkway 6R, Brooklyn, New York died unexpectedly at home Tuesday October 19, 2010. Born in Adams on January 8, 1959, he was the son of Jeannette (Dupras) Soha and the late Henry S. Soha; husband to Leslie, and father to son Chase, both of Brooklyn. Michael attended St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Charles H. McCann Technical High School, Berkshire Community College, and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pratt Art Institute in New York. A graphic designer,Michael was self-employed at Soha Design and CS Designworks in Manhattan. He was a member of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists), and the Graphic Artist Guild. Michael also recently joined Berkshire Creative, an organization committed to promoting the creative economy in the Berkshires. Michael was very involved in his church, Park Slope United Methodist in Brooklyn and the community of Hinsdale, MA where he and his wife maintained a second home. Michael served on and was very active on the Bicentennial committee for Hinsdale. Michael was also instrumental in organizing the McCann Class of 1977 25th reunion. Michael shared love and laughter with family and friends. Some of his joys were storytelling, creative cooking and swimming and kayaking on Lake Ashmere. Michael also loved to travel and he and his family recently enjoyed a trip to Greece. He gave selflessly of his time, talents and treasures. Michael walked with the Lord in whose presence he now rests. Michael's light shined brightly, extinguished too soon, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Michael is survived by a loving family; his wife, the former Leslie A. Chase, whom he married on April 17, 1982; his son, Chase A. Soha, of Brooklyn; his mother, Jeannette A. Soha of Adams, 2 sisters, Kathy Furey of Lanesboro and Mary St.Hilaire of Cheshire; his in-laws , Katharine and Wilbur Chase of North Ft. Myers, Florida, a sister-in-law Kate Chase and her husband, Raymond Bair, of San Francisco, California, his brother in law, Edward Chase of Mansfield, MA and Raymond Bair of San Francisco. Uncle Mike was especially fond of his four nephews, Wyatt, Timothy and Luke Furey, Mark St.Hilaire, one niece, Alexandria Chase, and three great nephews Alexander and Robert Furey, and Alex St.Hilaire. He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Jenna Marie Soha. A celebration of Michael's life will be held Monday October 25th, at 1:00 PM in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac Street, Adams,MA 01220. Calling hours are Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. A memorial Service will take place in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Charles H. McCann Technical High School Class of 1977 Scholarship Fund or The Berkshire Taconic - Berkshire Creative Fund through the funeral home.