Paul J. Sozzi, 84, imported antiques from his native Italy
March 27, 2025
Paul John Sozzi of Columbia died March 18 at his home. He was 84.
He was born Sept. 28, 1940, in Florence, Italy, the son of Ettore and Clara Masini Sozzi. He was a graduate of A. Saffi in Florence.
After meeting his wife, the former Caroline Lumpkin, who was attending art school in Europe, they moved together back to the U.S. where he began a career in merchandising with a large national department store. Mr. Sozzi 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 U.S. He often traveled to Italy for his business and to spend time with his brothers and sisters, all of whom remained in Italy.
In his youth in Italy, Mr. Sozzi excelled in soccer and was selected to a semi-pro team representing Florence. This 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’s Little League team. At the first game, Mr. Sozzi could be heard calling the boys to “Come to the Dugin,” which made perfect sense to him.
Thus began one of many experiences with the language barrier which provided laughter and humorous confusion for his family and friends.
Mr. Sozzi had a deep appreciation for nature, animals and all of God’s creatures. He cherished the time he spent with his family in DeBordieu and Georgetown, where both of his children were married. He and his wife were active members of the President’s Council and the Friends of Brookgreen Gardens. Mr. Sozzi was a member of the Columbia Ball and Pine Tree Hunt Club and a former member of the Palmetto Club and DeBordieu Club.
In addition to his wife of 48 years he is survived by his children, John Sozzi (Katy) of Charlotte and Caroline Kinney (Matthew) of Athens, Ga.; his grandchildren, Sally and Maggie Sozzi and Caroline and John Kinney.; his brother, Fabio Sozzi (Graziella), and his sister, Maria Sozzi; his brother-in-law, John Lumpkin (Emily); and many nieces and nephews.
Three other sisters, Anna, Piera and Laura, died before him as did two brothers, Piero and Giovanni.
The family will welcome friends at the Pine Tree Hunt Club today from 5 to 7 p.m.
A private family service will take place over Easter weekend at Estherville Plantation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Pawmetto Lifeline, Carolina Wildlife Center or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent at shivesfuneralhome.com.
