Thomas Frank Sochinsky, 81, a longtime resident of Santa, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on July 28, 2026, surrounded by the place he loved most. Fittingly, he left this world on his 81st birthday.

Tom was born on July 28, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Joseph and Mary Sochinsky. He spent his early childhood in Cleveland before his family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1958. A short time later, they settled on the family homestead in Santa, Idaho, where Tom developed a lifelong love for the outdoors and the logging industry.

As a young man, Tom worked as a school bus driver before beginning a career in the woods. He later worked for Diamond International in Fernwood from 1974 until the mill closed in the late 1980s. In 1988, he joined Edwards Mill, and on June 15, 1991, he married the love of his life, Denise Sines, at St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in St. Maries, Idaho. Tom continued working for Edwards Mill until it closed, then worked for Scott Paper between Santa and Fernwood until 1995.

The woods were always calling him home. In 1997, he returned to logging until suffering a heart attack. Tom and Denise then moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona, to be closer to his mother. In 2007, they returned to Santa, where Tom was happiest, and he continued part-time logging for several more years.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman whose greatest joys were found in God's creation. Whether he was hunting, fishing, gathering firewood, camping, or simply spending time in the mountains, he was truly at home. Above all, he cherished time with his family. One of his favorite pastimes was four-wheeling with his beloved grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Tom will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 35 years, Denise, at their home in Santa; his children, Mark and Mary Willard of Columbus, Ohio, Matt Willard of Fairfield, Washington, Mara Willard of Santa, Idaho, Thomas Sochinsky of Santa, Idaho, and Brandon and Jessica Sochinsky of Santa, Idaho; six grandchildren; and his sisters, Caroline Moulton of Santa Cruz, California, Christine LeBlanc of Bend, Oregon, and Mary Cochrane of Wasilla, Alaska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Sochinsky; his brothers, Joseph Sochinsky and Peter Sochinsky; and his son, Nicholas Willard.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 11:00 am at the St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in St. Maries.  A gathering of family and friends to share a meal will follow at the Benedictine Hall. He will then be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in St. Maries.