David S. Socha

David “Dave” Stanley Socha, 86, a lifelong resident of Ludlow, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Springfield, he was the son of the late Stanley and Melania (Frankowski) Socha. David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, whose legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. A graduate of Technical High School , Class of 1956, David led a remarkable life of service, dedication, and passion. He proudly served in the US Navy Submarine Service stationed aboard the USS Croaker. As a frogman and sonar technician, he was trained in specialized operations that, by today’s standards, are equivalent to that of a Navy SEAL. Upon his release he served in the US Navy Reserves. His bravery, discipline, and commitment to his country marked the beginning of a life defined by honor. After his time in the Navy, David returned to the family business (Frank’s Tavern), and soon met his loving wife, Betty, sharing sixty-three years of wonderful marriage. Together they raised four children and led a life of dedication to family, church and faith. David’s unwavering work ethic, passion, loyalty and dedication made him a respected member of his community. Yet, his achievements were not confined to the business world alone. David, a former Portsmouth, England, soccer player who found far greater success as the pre-eminent American referee of his era, worked NASL (North American Soccer League) matches from 1978-1984. He officiated at the highest levels of the game along with some of the world’s greatest ever to play the game. He became the first American to officiate in World Cup matches in 1982, the 1986 World Cup, the Soccer Bowl in ’82 and ‘84, 1984 Olympic Games, and the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World All Star Games. He earned the respect of players, coaches, and fellow referees worldwide. His keen sense of fairness, passion for the game, and commitment to integrity shaped his storied career in soccer, where he made an indelible mark. He was inducted into the New England and Connecticut Soccer Halls of Fame, and was also a member of the Ludlow VFW Post 3236, Palmer American Legion Post 130, Polish American Veterans Club of Wilbraham and the Minos Cretan Association. After retiring from the game he loved, David worked for seventeen years, retiring from the MA Turnpike Authority. Above all, David was a man of great character, a proud veteran and friend to many. He will be remembered for his strength, devotion, and loving commitment to his family and church, St. George Cathedral in Springfield, where he proudly served as past-president of the parish council. David is survived by his beloved, adoring wife of sixty-three years, Betty (Kaloroumakis) Socha; his loving children, Karen Surapine and husband Peter of Stafford Springs, CT, Jake Socha and wife Maureen of Ludlow, Melaina De Marco and husband Robert of Pound Ridge, NY, and Pamela Chaplin and husband Alex of Ludlow. David, “Dziadziu”, will be missed dearly by his incredible grandchildren, Emilie (Eric) Pacheco, Michaela (Robert) Smith, Paige (Adrian) Perkins, Molly (George Capen) Socha, Oscar De Marco, and Elena Chaplin; and treasured great grandchildren, Jacob Socha, Braydon and Declan Smith. He also leaves behind his great aunt, Cynia Kudla, his brother Daniel Socha, sister Kristine Gregory and many nieces and nephews whom he loved. David’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to his kind and generous caregivers, Liz, Vida, Irene and Kim, who supported him with tireless love and care during his battle with Parkinsons Disease. Funeral services for David will be held on Wednesday, February 19th, with a Mass at 11:30AM in St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 22 St. George Rd., Springfield. Burial with Military Honors will follow in MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Calling hours are at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee, on Tuesday from 4-6PM, and in church on Wednesday from 10:30-11:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Sunday School Program, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation. kozikowskifuneralhome.com

David S. Socha

September 27, 1938 - February 10, 2025

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David S. Socha

September 27, 1938 - February 10, 2025

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Grief & Healing

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