Sophie (Manzo) Aquino

March 11, 1915 - September 5, 2021

Sophie Aquino, 106, of Liverpool, NY, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at home with her loving family by her side. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, Sophie was a woman of elegance and grace. It was not surprising that she was a consummate homemaker whose life always centered around her family. She was born in Pittston, PA on March 11, 1915, to Pasquale and Giovanna Maria (Providente) Manzo. Growing up and settling in Buffalo, NY she met and married the love of her life, James Aquino, on July 16, 1938, celebrating their 62nd Anniversary before her husband’s passing in 2000. In her later years, as a lover of fine clothing and jewelry, Sophie worked part-time at AM&A’s department store in Buffalo, NY. Her priority, however, was her family and her home, and she was always preparing meals for family and friends to gather and share. No culinary feat was ever too difficult or an imposition for Sophie as evidenced by the incredible feast of the seven fishes that she would prepare on Christmas Eve. She remained in Buffalo until 2014, when she relocated to Liverpool, NY to live with her daughter, Judy. As a centenarian she lived through many moments in history with courage, resolve, as well as flexibility of mind and spirit. Her gentle kindness, radiant smile, and understated presence will be dearly missed. Along with her parents, Sophie is predeceased by her husband, James J. Aquino, and her 6 siblings: Louis Manzo, Joseph Manzo, Anna Hare, Yolanda Twenty-five, Mary Piacente and Assunta Ross. Sophie is survived by her devoted daughter, Judith Aquino Butler of Liverpool, NY; her grandchildren, James (Terese) Butler and Jodi Lynn Butler (John Merola); her loving great-grandchildren, Mason and Hayden Butler; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Cathy Christian, for her loving and compassionate care of Sophie over the past several years. Relatives and friends will be received at the Michael A. DiVincenzo Funeral Home, 1122 E. Lovejoy St., Buffalo NY 14206, on Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Katharine Drexel at 12:30pm, 135 North Ogden St., Buffalo, NY 14206. Immediately following she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Cheektowaga, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of CNY, 990 7th North Street, Liverpool, NY 13088.