A much-loved husband, father, and grandfather, Paul John Sozzi, 84, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at his home March 18, 2025. Paul was born in Florence, Italy, son of Ettore and Clara Masini Sozzi. He was a graduate of A. Saffi in Florence, Italy. After meeting his wife, Caroline who was attending Art School in Europe, they moved together back to the States where he began a career in merchandising with a large National Department Store. He used that experience to start his own business focused on importing Italian and Foreign Antiques to be sold at Interior Design and Fine Antique stores throughout the United States. Paul often traveled back to Italy for his business and to spend time with his brothers and sisters, all of whom remained in Italy.

In Paul's youth in Italy, he excelled in soccer and was selected to a semi-pro team representing Florence. This, however, did not prepare him to coach youth sports in America. With no knowledge of the American game of baseball, he was the father assigned the job of "Dugout Coach" for his son John's Little League team. At the first game, Paul could be heard calling the boys to "Come to the Dugin"…which made perfect sense to him. Thus began one of many experiences with Paul's language barrier which provided laughter and humorous confusion to family and friends for years.

Paul had a deep appreciation for nature, animals and all of God's creatures. He cherished the time he spent with his family on the coast of South Carolina in DeBordieu and Georgetown, where both of his children were married. With his wife Caroline, they were active members of The President's Council and The Friends of Brookgreen Gardens. Paul was a member of The Columbia Ball and Pine Tree Hunt Club and a former member of The Palmetto Club and DeBordieu Club.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Caroline Lumpkin Sozzi; son John Sozzi and wife Katy of Charlotte, NC; daughter Caroline Kinney and husband Matthew of Athens, GA. Nonno was dearly loved by his four grandchildren Sally and Maggie Sozzi and Caroline and John Kinney. Also surviving is Paul's brother Fabio Sozzi and wife Graziella, and his sister Maria Sozzi. Additionally he is survived by his brother-in-law, John Lumpkin and wife Emily, many nieces and nephews and cherished Georgetown Lumpkin family with whom he shared over 50 years of Thanksgiving and Easter celebrations. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Anna, Piera, and Laura and two brothers, Piero and Giovanni.

The family will welcome friends at the Pine Tree Hunt Club on Thursday, March 27th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A private family service will take place over Easter weekend at Estherville Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to Pawmetto Lifeline, Carolina Wildlife Center or a charity of your choice.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.