Ronald C. Elias

Ronald 'Sody' Elias 1934-2008

Date: 11/26/2008
Source: Streator Times-Press News
Section: Obituaries

url: http://mywebtimes.com/archives/ottawa/print_display.php?id=371044

STREATOR ? Ronald C. ?Sody? Elias, 74, of Streator, died Tuesday, Nov. 25, at his home. He was surrounded by family when he lost his courageous battle with cancer.

Born Feb. 9, 1934, in Streator, he was a son of Andrew P. and Catherine (Handzus) Elias. He married Louise Gaydos at St. Stephen?s Church on Aug. 24, 1957. She survives in Streator.

Also surviving are his sons, Ronald (Cory) of Marengo, Kevin (Siobhan) of Streator and Daniel (Gina) of Spring Valley; eight grandchildren, Gabe, Murphy, Luke, D.J. and Gianna Elias, Cory (Afghanistan) and Mia Uranich and David Ferguson; brother, David (Marna) Elias of Streator; sister, Bernadette Benichou of Houston; brothers-in-law, Raymond Brewer and George and Frank Gaydos; and sisters-in-law, Joan Treschak, Rosemary Elias and Barbara, Helen and Dorothy Gaydos; aunts, Irene Hall and Florence Shull; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Marcella; and brothers, Bernard and Andrew Elias.

Sody was a man with many hats -- devoted husband, loving father and good friend. Most known for his 35 years of service on the Streator police force, as ?Lieutenant? or ?Sody the Cop,? he took the words, ?to serve and protect? to heart when he worked for the citizens of Streator, until his retirement in 1994.

Since his retirement, Sody enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and Louise also did a great deal of traveling with friends throughout the United States, Canada and Slovakia, and he even helped to support the city of Las Vegas on occasion.

Prior to his career as a police officer, Sody served his country in the U.S. Army and followed that tour as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He also attended St. Stephen?s Grade School, Streator High School and La Salle, Peru, Oglesby College (IVCC).

An avid gardener, Sody proudly supplied neighbors and friends with his harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables, and with fresh grapes from his garden, made various homemade wines. Known as the ?Sausage King? of Streator, he enjoyed making Italian, bratwurst, hobo and Polish sausage, as well as, his famous beef jerky and salami. Slovak favorites of hurki and headcheese were also on the list of requests from many Streator residents. As a faithful Notre Dame fan, Sody backed his team through thick and thin, always rooting for the fighting Irish. He also enjoyed the outdoors and taught his sons to fish and hunt for wild game and mushrooms.

Sody was a member of the Illinois Police Association, Policeman?s Benevolent Society, St. Stephen?s Church, American Legion, Polish National Alliance, Jednota, Streator Lazy Acres Club, St. Clements?s Society and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ronald ?Sody? Elias will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Streator is a better community because of his service to the City.

For those wishing to bid Sody a fond farewell, visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday with a rosary at 6:30 p.m. at Solon, Baker, Telford Funeral Home. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Stephen?s Church in Streator with Monsignor John J. Prendergast officiating. Burial will be in St. Stephen?s Cemetery with full military rites.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Gabe, Murphy and Luke Elias, and nephews, Michael, Thomas, and Martin Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Thomas and Ray Brewer and grandsons, D.J. Elias, Cory Uranich and David Ferguson.Third-degree members of the Knights of Columbus also will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be directed to the family.Solon, Baker, Telford Funeral Home301 S. Park St., Streator, IL 61364815-672-2320 www.solonbakertelford.com