John F. Socha

Mr. John Francis Socha, 92, of 25 Richmond Lane, Adams, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday afternoon, September 24, 2013, with his family by his side. He was born in Adams on January 1, 1921, a son of the late Joseph and Bronislawa (Dzierga) Socha, and graduated from St. Stanislaus Elementary School, Adams. John was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, serving as a staff sergeant with Co. A of the 398th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater. He saw heavy fighting and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in combat, and the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. He was Honorably Discharged in 1946. Mr. Socha last worked as a security guard in the Ordnance Division of General Electric in Pittsfield, retiring in 1986. Earlier, he had worked at the former Arnold Print Works in Adams. He was a communicant of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Adams, and was a member of the St. Stanislaus Kostka Society. He was a fan of the Patriots and Red Sox, but especially enjoyed cultivating his extensive blueberry crop, which he took great pride in. His wife, the former Stella J. Gajda, whom he married on May 25, 1946, died on January 17, 1981. He is survived by 2 daughters, Janice McConnell and her husband, Arthur, of Cheshire; and Patricia Socha of Adams; a granddaughter, Marla Egan and her husband, Dennis, of Coatesville, PA; 3 Great Grandchildren, Avery, Addison and Ryder Egan; a brother, Stanley Socha of Chapel Hill, NC; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by 4 brothers, Stephen, Louis, Walter and Frank Socha; and by 2 sisters, Julia Dwileski and Helen Wrzochalski. The funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27th, at 9:00 AM from the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Stanislaus School, 108 Summer St. Adams, MA 01220; or to the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire, 99 Hospital Ave. North Adams, MA 01247. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

John F. Socha

January 1, 1921 - September 24, 2013