Former Washington Mayor Sonny Spossey died Tuesday morning after a lengthy illness. Spossey, who was the grandson of Italian immigrants, was the first Italian American to serve as mayor of Washington. In addition to four terms as mayor, Spossey also served as a city councilman and city treasurer. Spossey was the son of a barber and he followed his father into the profession and worked with him in his West Chestnut Street shop until he passed away in 1998. Sonny retired from barbering in 2019 after 64 years of service. Spossey’s notable achievements during his years as mayor included establishing the Neighborhood Drug Corps to address a growing problem in the community and increasing access and equality for people with disabilities. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors say a funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 AM, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Saint Hilary Church of Saint James Parish, 320 Henderson Ave., Washington, PA 15301. Entombment will follow in Washington Cemetery. All other services are private.