Berkley Keeps Late Kindergartner's Spirit Alive

A Reading Corner in the Media Center of Berkley Street Elementary School was dedicated to the memory of Melisa Sofia on Monday.  

Melisa had just completed her first year of kindergarten at Berkley when she died in her sleep on June 23, 2011. She was just 6 1/2-years-old.

"She didn't feel well that day in school," her father Robert Sofia said. "Shortly before school let out she vomited."

Sofia said that he and his wife, Kelly Pina, had done everything that parents should do when their child is sick. "We called the pediatrician and we were told that as long as she didn't continue to vomit, we should just bring her in the next morning for a check-up," Sofia said.

Melisa did not live to see the next morning. 

Her parents were to learn that Melisa died from a disease they had never heard of-- myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle. According to the National Institute of Health, myocarditis is an uncommon disorder that is usually caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections that reach the heart.

Melisa's death left no heart untouched in New Milford's tight-knit community. According to Superintendent of Schools Michael Polizzi, there was, and continues to be, an outpouring of generosity from the people of New Milford. 

"Melisa in her few years has made such an impact not only on the schools, but on the entire community," Polizzi said. 

So impacted was the community by her death that in December the Sofia family was invited to light the town Christmas tree to honor Melisa; the mayor and council voted to approve mounting a street sign "Melisa Sofia Way" on the cul-de-sac where she lived at Ridge Street and Howard Court; and a tree has been planted in her name at the Little League Field. 

And now, her elementary school is honoring her by dedicating a reading corner in her name.

"She lit up a room and it's that spirit we celebrate," Polizzi said, "We want to do what we can to keep her spirit alive."

Berkley Principal, Patricia Aufiero, said, "The school and teachers wanted to do something special to remember Melisa."

"Her teachers went back and looked at what books she borrowed from the library and bought copies of those books," Aufiero said. "Each book contains a sticker with her name to remember her by."

Melisa's teacher, Dora Oliviero, told the Sofia family, "Melisa loved to draw and color. She is missed by everyone who came to know her."  

The centerpiece of the reading corner is a portrait of Melisa that was painted by her mother and donated to the school.

Looking at the portrait, Oliviero said, "I can see where Melisa got her love for color and drawing."