Jeffrey Sosnovik

Jeffrey Sosnovik, beloved father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on
June 24, 2022. He was 88 years old and lived a full and wonderful life. He was born
in Johannesburg into a large and closely-knit Jewish family.  Devotion-to-family and
Jewish identity remained central to him for the rest of his life. Jeffrey studied
commerce and economics at university, including time spent on a scholarship at the
London School of Economics. He then returned to South Africa to assist his father in
running a manufacturing business, but above all, he was a wonderfully devoted
father to his three children Josepha (Sephi), Adie and David. Nothing gave him more
joy than helping them take on the challenges and goals that they had chosen. He was
an incredibly tolerant, kind, nurturing and supportive man.

Jeffrey had a diverse array of interests and hobbies including horse-riding,
yoga (even before it was popular), hiking, classical music, photography and computer
science. Having seen all three of his children through university and onto their career
paths, Jeffrey emigrated with his then-wife Gilda to the United States at age 65.
Despite having lived in extremely large cities all his life, he embraced life in the small
town of Sequim in the Olympic Peninsula. He immersed himself all that Sequim had
to offer from mountain hikes along glaciers to strolls along the beach at sunset. He
was at his happiest in the phenomenal natural beauty of Sequim and hiked 4-5
times/week until his mid-80s.  Jeffrey was unusually “tech-savvy” for a man of his
generation, which allowed him to stay in close contact with Adie in London, Sephi in
Chicago and David in Boston. He was always there to listen, discuss the merits of the
latest Apps and software upgrades, or provide an opinion on the merits of a
particular stock. Of course, nothing beat an in-person visit to him in Sequim, which
was always relaxing, rejuvenating and greatly treasured.

Jeffrey became extremely popular with the locals of Sequim– he was a wonderful
listener and had time and a smile for everybody. His smile exuded warmth and
calmness and would light up a room. Jeffrey and Gilda were married for 39 years and
continued to remain close in Sequim, where they both lived, until he came to Boston
for health reasons at 85.

Nothing gave Jeffrey more joy than being with his grandchildren Steven, Elizabeth
(Ellie) and Charlotte. He was able to spend a large amount of time with them and
watch them grow up. Whether playing catch, balloons or reading to them on his lap –
his face would beam with joy.  Even when his mobility decreased in his last few
years, he would push his walker with great determination over fairly challenging
terrain to watch Ellie, Charlotte and his daughter-in-law Debbie play tennis.

Whenever someone hit a good shot he (and Debbie) would break into a huge smile
and cheer.

Jeffrey would always respect and listen to an opposing viewpoint. Discussions with
him were never heated.  Everyone who knew Jeffrey, even just briefly, would
comment on his warmth and kindness.  He leaves a wonderful legacy of Tikkum-
Olam. He was a special man, admired and respected by all, and will be sorely
missed. He is survived by his children Sephi, Adie and David Sosnovik; grandchildren
Steven Decker, Elizabeth and Charlotte Sosnovik, daughter-in-law Debbie Goldstein
and ex-wife Gilda Sosnovik.

In the spirit of Jeffrey, tributes can be made to the following charities:
–       American Friends of Sheba Medical Center: https://www.afsmc.org
–       Newbridge on the Charles, Kotler Fund for Employee
Health: https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/giving