Obituary of Sanford E Katz

SANFORD E “Sonny” KATZ

October 1, 1932 - January 30, 2019

Sonny Katz died in St Petersburg, Florida January 30, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Barbara (Cox) Katz. He is survived by three daughters: Lynn (Pete) Hanshaw of St Petersburg, FL, Janice (Bob) Gargan of Southern Pines, NC and Diann (Mitch) Barns of Poland, Ohio. He leaves brother and sister-in-law Tony and Pat Parish of Youngstown, and brothers-in-law Frank DiLallo of Youngstown and Gary Cox of Mexico. Sonny was grandpa to 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and uncle to dozens of special nieces and nephews. 

Born on the Northside of Youngstown, Sonny attended Youngstown public schools including The Rayen School. He served in the US Army and on his return to Youngstown became a carpenter’s apprentice. In the early 1960’s Sonny established his own construction company, erecting houses and apartments throughout northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 1984 he moved his entire operation to St Petersburg Florida and for the next 20 years successfully developed the area of Tierra Verde, completing dozens of waterfront condominium projects including more than 200 individual units. 

To the very end Sonny enjoyed swimming and was a master swimmer at the YMCA. Throughout his life Sonny enjoyed golf, travel and entertainment. He was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church of St Petersburg, Florida. 

The family is planning a memorial service for a future date. In lieu of flowers the family asks that any contribution be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 1801 62nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702.