Milton Stefano Sojo

With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Milton “Stefano” Sojo, who left this earth on Father's Day, June 21, 2026, at the age of 35, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer, and line-of-duty illness believed to have resulted from his 9 year service as a volunteer firefighter.

Stefano was a man whose greatest gift was his heart. He loved deeply, gave generously, and remained fiercely devoted to the people he cared about. Those who knew him will remember his infectious smile, his sense of humor, his loyalty, and his ability to make others feel seen and valued. He possessed a rare kindness that left a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He was a man of deep faith. He never carried resentment or spoke ill of others, choosing instead to meet people with grace, patience, and an open heart. He found joy in life’s simple gifts and was never concerned with status or appearances. What mattered most to Stefano were the quiet, meaningful parts of life, listening to Elvis, camping in the mountains, trips to the beach, and spending time with the people he loved most.

For the past fourteen months, Stefano faced Glioblastoma with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. Even as the disease stole so much from him, it never diminished the goodness of his spirit. Throughout his journey, he continued to inspire those around him with his courage and resilience.

Stefano proudly served 9 years as a volunteer firefighter in Indian Land South Carolina. Dedicating years of his life to protecting and serving others with courage and humility. Firefighting was more than a profession to him; it was an expression of his character and his willingness to put others before himself. It is believed that the brain cancer he so courageously battled was a line-of-duty illness, the result of his heroic efforts to protect and serve others. Yet he never wanted to be remembered for the illness he endured. He was so much more than his suffering.

That same heart for protecting others extended far beyond Stefano’s work in the fire service. Inspired by his deep love for his son, he became a passionate advocate for children and for preserving the bond between children and loving parents, devoting countless hours to that cause and to the hope of meaningful change.

Above all else, Stefano cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a treasured son, brother, and loyal friend.

Stefano’s capacity to love was extraordinary, and nowhere was that more evident than in the love he had for his son, whom he proudly helped deliver into the world himself. From the very beginning, he embraced fatherhood with immense joy and devotion. When circumstances later separated them, it became one of the greatest sorrows of Stefano’s life. He carried his son in his heart always and never lost hope for the future they might still share. He never stopped loving him, never stopped fighting for him, and that enduring devotion was one of the most defining parts of who Stefano was.

The love he shared with his wife, Emily, was what he called the one of greatest blessing of his life. Together, Emily and Stefano shared a love that felt rare in this world, the kind of love people spend a lifetime hoping to find and few are ever blessed enough to know. It was deep and unwavering, marked by tenderness, devotion, laughter, and a profound sense of belonging in one another. They were each other’s safe place, greatest comfort, and truest home. They shared a once-in-a-lifetime love that shaped the very heart of their lives.

While our hearts are broken by his loss, we find peace in knowing that Stefano is now free from pain and reunited with his Heavenly Father and his own father, Milton Sojo Romero, whom he lost as a young boy and missed throughout his life. We take comfort in the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

He is survived by his loving wife, Emily (Burke) Sojo of Greenville, South Carolina; his faithful companion, Lenny Girl, the sweet dog he rescued along the highway on Christmas Day 2024 and could not bear to leave behind; his beloved son, Milton Cristiano Sojo; his mother, Pily Barger; his stepfather, John Barger; and his sister, Stephanie Barger, of Columbia, South Carolina. He is also survived by his in-laws, Joseph and Faith Burke of Greenville, South Carolina; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joseph and Lauren Burke, also of Greenville; as well as countless extended family members across the world, from Costa Rica to Dubai and beyond, and many dear friends who will cherish his memory and carry it forward.

His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the kindness he showed, and the love he gave so freely.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who supported Stefano throughout his illness through prayers, donations, visits, messages, and acts of kindness. Your love carried him and his family through the most difficult season of their lives.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we will forever remember the extraordinary man he was. His life was a gift, his love was unwavering, and his memory will remain with us always.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

— Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be 10:00-11:15 AM on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 AM in the chapel, conducted by Rev. Daniel Thrower. Burial will follow at 3:00 PM in Evergreen Cemetery, 4426 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Stefano’s memory to help carry forward the advocacy work that meant so much to him. Including efforts to advance equal parenting rights, judicial accountability, and stronger protections for children.

Donations may be made here:

https://buy.stripe.com/5kQbJ2b9A8JVenFbfc3VC00

For more info:

https://robertgarza.us