PAUL SOKOLOWSKI
Paul Richard Sokolowski, 80, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, passed away after a valiant fight at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on May 6th. He was born on July 7th, 1943, in Wheeling, WV, son of the late Joseph & Nellie (Shinko) Sokolowski. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 years, Kitty Ann Sokolowski, brothers, Joseph Sokolowski (Clarima) and William Sokolowski Sr. (Mary Ann) He is survived by his loving children, Chad Sokolowski of Medina, OH, Jay Sokolowski of Sterling, Virginia & Alisa (Adam) Parker of Dublin, Ohio. Known as Pap Pap Rich, he was the proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Andersen Parker, Ava Parker, Camden Sokolowski & Cooper Sokolowski.
After many years of dedicated service, Rich retired from Nickles Bakery in Martins Ferry, OH. His work ethic of long hours on his bread truck providing for his family was nothing short of admirable. Anyone that knew Rich was familiar with his love for his house, pool and yard. Rich had an incredible green thumb and knack for making his house and yard look manicured and well kept. He prided himself on his ability to maintain his home and cut his own grass. He loved planting flowers and thoroughly enjoyed watching them bloom. Rich was always on the move and alway seemed to be going somewhere. He thoroughly enjoyed music and would often play his favorite songs on his beloved iPad on his favorite app YouTube. Hearing Bruce Springsteen play on his speaker was a frequent occurrence. Rich would light up around music and would want to show and share the songs he found. In the autumn, you could catch him in the stands watching his grandsons play football and his granddaughter cheer. He was amazed at how they all grew and was incredibly proud of each of them. He was looking forward to seeing his eldest grandchildren graduate high school at the end of May.
Rich will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of house decor including anything that “lit up”, his witty personality, a sense of style that was unique to him and strong dedication to faith and family. Throughout the years, he attended St. Joseph’s Church in Bridgeport, St. Mary’s Church in St. Clairsville and also East Richland Evangelical Friends Church.
Pap Pap Rich will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him. One of the greatest comforts his three children have is that he is finally reunited with the love of his life, Kitty Ann who passed away in 2000. He spoke of her often and missed her incredibly. We know they are together again.
Friends will be received Friday, May 10th, from 6-8pm and May 11th from 9 till time-of-service at 11 am with Father Thomas Chillog as celebrant at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Rd. Bridgeport, OH 43912. Following the remarks of Father Thomas Chillog, burial will take place at Belmont County Memorial Park, 45240 National Road West, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.
To leave the family a condolence please visit www.wilsonfuneral homes.com