David "Sody" P. Elias, 84, of Rockford, IL, formerly of Streator, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 in Rockford, IL surrounded by family. He was born on December 20, 1941 in Streator, IL to Andrew and Catherine (Handzo) Elias. David attended St Stephen's grade school and graduated from Streator High School, class of 1960. He served in the U.S. Army from 1964 to 1966 and was stationed in Germany. David married Marna L. Gill on August 1, 1970 at St. Stephen's Church in Streator and they enjoyed 56 years together. David owned and operated Sody's Barber Shop for over fifty years. Through the years he could be seen riding his bike to and from the shop.

David was an avid gardener and often joked with Cousin Ed about his giant vegetables that grew out by Lake Manville. He loved to fish with his loyal dog Daisy at Lazy Acres. You could regularly find him playing Euchre at Chalkey's Tavern and he always participated in the annual poker tournament that he won numerous times. His Catholic faith was very important to him and he attended St. Micheal's Church (formerly St. Stephen's Church) and was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.

David is survived by his wife Marna, children, David (Jessica) Elias of Harrisville, West Virginia, Julie (Dr. Grant) Sanderson of Rockford, IL and Vincent (Jenny) Elias of Rockford, IL; daughter-in law, Dawn Elias Davis of Streator, IL; grandchildren, David (Makenna) Elias of Huntington, WV, Jacob Elias of Rockford, IL and Aryanna Brewer of Rockford, IL; sister, Bernadette Benichou of Houston, TX; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his son, Joseph Elias; brothers, Bernard, Ronald and Andrew Elias; and sister, Marcella Elias.

A special thank you to his caregivers over this last year for their loving, gentle and patient care to David: Jenny, Aryanna, Ryland, Angel and Caleb. Also, a special thanks to St Croix Hospice in Rockford IL.

There will be a visitation at Solon Telford Funeral Home in Streator IL on Saturday, November 28th from 12pm-2pm followed by a service. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL. To share a condolence, visit gracefh.com