Gary J. Sojkowski, 69

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Gary Sojkowski, 69, was the beloved grandson of Joseph (Jozef Sojkowsky) and Sophia Klocek Sojkowski who emigrated from Russia-Poland and Austria respectively. He was the son of Bronislaw and Rita Morin Sojkowski of Adams, MA. Gary was the younger brother of James Sojkowski deceased and uncle to Ellen Sojkowski Kirker of Gansevoort, NY and Stephen Sojkowski of Westerly, RI.

Gary passed away on May 30, 2023. Ellen and Stephen remember their uncle fondly as an accomplished percussionist and artist. A man who could play any instrument he picked up. As children, their biggest delight was the improvised marching bands orchestrated by Uncle Gary around Grandma's dining room table at 6am!

Sister-in-law Barbara Sojkowski mourns the loss of him and his artistic genius. His cousin Jean Hendricks of Bennington and his beloved Aunt Theresa were always there for him, helping in countless ways. There are many memories with his Uncle Henry Sojkowski, and Aunt Pat Sojkowski, cousins Diane Sojkowski Agar and Rick Sojkowski. He is survived by grandnieces: Lena and Anna Kirker, Maya and grandnephew Jeffrey Sojkowski. Many cousins will remember him fondly!

Gary was gifted with an acute appreciation and understanding of music. Music was always a part of his life from the time he started his first band in High School until he retired from Williams College. He loved any form of jazz. At Williams, he focused on relating the culture of Africa through music. In 1986, he was one of the co-founders of Kusika. A performance program which tells the story of Africa and its impact on the global community and culture through dance and music forms. Gary was the professional percussionist and choreographer. The program had far reaching effects in the Berkshire Community and other New England colleges. Many music students recognized Gary as their mentor. His abilities and creativity as a percussionist were widely respected.

His expertise as a percussionist and choreographer were not the only gifts Gary was recognized for at the college. He was also an artist. While at Williams, he crested and patented his Silky Monkey Series. A collection of Marikina Monkeys. The prints are done in Mediumcolor aquatint on paper. He was also active in the Art Museum as a restorer of the frames of the old masterpieces. Yet another recognition of his artistic talents.

Williams was not the only college to employ his musical abilities.  During the 1990s he was the accompanist at Juillard to the renowned choreographer Bessie Schonberg.  As a percussionist, Gary enjoyed a long history with the School of Musical at Jacob's Pillow. On many occasions, he was pressed into service by performers that recognized and appreciated his percussion talents. Odetta Holmes was one of those performers and would often give him solo time during her performances!

Former owner of the Toonerville Trolley in Williamstown, MA, Hal March, remembers meeting Gary for the first time in 1978.  "I first met Gary about 1978. I was selling records out of a traveling step van, Toonerville Trolley Records. I was parked in Manchester, Vermont and Gary and Rick Lescarbeau came in to buy some records. They were on their way to play at the Back Yard café in Rutland Vermont with their band Asylum. The other members of the band were Charlie Tokraz, Jim Thompson, and Zeke. The band was pretty successful and opened for John Pain in the Berkshires." 

Gary worked with Programs at Williams College with Sandra Burton and also at Bennington College. He also worked at Toonerville Trolley records in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Ellen, Stephen, and myself (Barbara) would like to thank all of those who came into Gary's life these past years making it easier for him. Mar, Gary’s next-door neighbor, who checked on him daily and brought faith back into his life. Many thanks to Elder Services, Social Workers, Care givers and countless friends. Special thanks to Hal March who was always there for him. We appreciate all of your kindness, patience, and generosities! We appreciate all of you!

A graveside service and burial for Gary will take place Friday, June 9, 2023 at 12PM in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery in Adams. The TROTTIER PRINGLE FUNERAL HOME in Adams is in charge of arrangements.