Donald Socha

June 18, 1937
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January 19, 2022

Donald N. Socha, 84, died of a broken heart on January 19, 2022, reuniting with his beloved wife Shairmaine who passed away on December 7th of 2021.  Don was born June 18, 1937, to Theodore and Ila (Abel) Socha.  On April 17, 1959, he married Shairmaine Babiash.  Don liked to say that she was the fun part of their marriage, and he was the work part, and work he did.  He was employed at Northern Papermill from 1956 to 1999 and served his country in the National Guard Reserves for 23 years.  The couple also managed many rental properties. 

While Don was known to spoil his wife, he did not share her love of shopping or sparkly things.  Don liked to be comfortable in a pair of jeans and well-worn in hats and shirts.  He enjoyed taking trips to the farm, checking on the calves and cows and talking to “his girls”.  Don was the recipient of a heart transplant and extremely grateful for the 19 extra years he was given. 

He is survived by three sons and two daughters-in-law, Kevin and Jenny, Ricky, and Scott and Sara Socha; three grandchildren, Blake (Angela), Miranda, and Logan (special friend, Maddy); two great-grandsons, Colt and Henry; one brother, Randy Socha; a sister, Diane (Bob) Detrie; brothers-in-law, David (Mary), Wayne “Butch” (Debbie) and Steve (Julie) Babiash, Tom Donovan; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Ciranni, Evelyn, Linda and Bonnie Babiash; nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Don was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kirstin Souquet.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St.  A Memorial Service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.