David John Socha, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Toledo facility surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 20, 1944 in Toledo, Ohio to John and Wanda (Walczak) Socha. Dave was a graduate of Regina Coeli Grade School, St. Francis De Sales High School and the University of Toledo where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He began his teaching career at St. Mary’s Grade School in Assumption, Ohio and went on to teach in the Washington Local System. Dave also served proudly in the Army National Guard from 1963-1975. Before his retirement in 2006, Dave was THE man behind the counter at Kinko’s, ably assisting countless customers with invitations, resumes and important presentations for 24 years.
Dave believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right, so his unofficial role as Mayor of Maxwell Road was the perfect opportunity for him to share that philosophy with neighbors old and new on everything from garbage can placement to lawn care. His input was cheerfully welcomed. Dave was a true people person who cherished the many good times he shared with his friends and family. Dave was also an animal lover. Horses were his first love, even owning one for a time. But man’s best friends were especially dear to him, as he kept the neighborhood pack well fed with an ever-ready box of dog biscuits. Dave’s other great love was The Ohio State University – Buckeyes games were sacred events on Maxwell Road, frequently cheered on by Dave and his close circle of friends Ted and Marilyn Tilly and Buzz and Sue Crane.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Roberta (McCluskey) Socha (married April 25, 1970); children David (Melissa) Jr., Maribeth Socha (Beau Knapp), Christopher Socha, and Catherine (Chase Erwin); grandchildren Joseph Kelly, Christopher Kelly, Michael Pagona III, and Heather Socha; in-laws Denise (William) McCluskey, Michael (Dorothy) McCluskey, Donald (Alexandria) McCluskey, Richard (Sharon) McCluskey, John (Dawn Pauli) McCluskey, Marianne (John List) McCluskey and Patrick (Jan Martin) McCluskey; and many, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Wanda and by his sister Barbara (Frank) Mohr.
A walkthrough visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 114 E. Alexis Rd. Those wishing to pay their respects should plan a short visit, wear a mask and observe social distancing guidelines. Funeral services will begin Saturday at 9:45 a.m. at the funeral home and continue with the Funeral Mass at St. Pius X Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. A full celebration of Dave’s life will be held on September 5, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Pius X Parish, St. Francis De Sales High School, St. Ursula Academy or the Humane Society of Toledo.