Obituary
John V. Socha, Jr. 77 of Monticello, Indiana, died at 2:42 p.m. on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Dad took his last breath. He was right where he needed to be, at home with our Mom.
John was born on Wednesday, March 13, 1946, in East Chicago, Indiana to John and Anne (Mroz) Socha, Sr.. They both preceded him in death.
In December of 1965 in Crown Point, Indiana he married Carmella L. Perrine. She survives.
Dad was hospitalized with pneumonia at St. Catherine’s on April 26th. On May 4th he came home to Monticello for in-patient rehab where he worked hard for nearly 2 months with Meg, Pam and the amazing nurses there. (Except when it came to his swallowing exercises…..his sweet SLP, Bri, got a run for her money with Dad) On June 26th he was released from the PT rehab and sent home with the care of the Angels from hospice.
He fought so hard over the past 44 days since coming home. He is the toughest man we have ever known. Although our lives are forever changed going forward, we are also blessed to have had our lives forever impacted by his presence over the past 77 years, 4 months and 26 days.
It feels like Dad has lived so many different lives. His wild, early days (I’m sure there are stories that would still shock us) to being a husband for 58 years, a father and becoming a grandparent. My Dad himself would say he made so many mistakes but was humble enough to admit it. He always made us feel loved, but becoming a grandparent was his calling and that love multiplied infinitely. He was the very best “Poopah”- a name he inherited by Sydney because she just couldn’t pronounce “grandpa”. It stuck and he will forever be “Poopah”. He loved nothing more than simply being around his grandchildren. From youngest to oldest: Avery, Sydney, Maddie, Nicholas, Michael and Jessica. Val, J.R. and I were beyond lucky to be loved by him. My Dad always expressed how grateful he was for Jeff and Jason for taking care of my sister and I and our families. He had a special bond with them both.
My Mom and Dad have gotten through some of the toughest times together over the past 58 years and went on to build a lake life retirement that they always dreamed of at their most favorite place on Earth. Pray especially for my Mom. After 58 years she will have to find a new normal, we all will, but especially her.
Our Dad loved so many things-collecting and shooting guns, fishing, boating, pulling the kids on the tube behind the boat, and he was the absolute master at fixing EVERYTHING! We all relied on him so much for direction (even with his shortcuts)
When our Dad came home from in-patient PT, his wishes were to only spend time with his immediate family. He didn’t want anyone to see him so sick. He time and time again expressed that he wanted to be cremated and to not have any type of funeral/ visitation service. When the time is right, we will “Celebrate his Life”. For now, we are going to grieve and get through this together as a family. Thank you everyone who has prayed for him, supported our family, loved him and has been a friend to him. He’s going to be missed beyond measure.
John is survived by his, wife Carmella L. Socha of Monticello, Indiana, children, John V. Socha, III. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Valerie (husband Jeff) Forrester of Westville, Indiana, and Jennifer (husband Jason) Scott of Monticello, Indiana, grandchildren, Michael and Jessica Socha, Nick and Maddie Forrester, and Sydney and Avery Scott, great grandson, Elijah Socha, sister, Susan Karchinski of Utah, brother-in-law, Frank (wife Linda) Perrine of Crown Point, Indiana, sisters-in-law, Donna (husband Steve) Koleszarik of Brownsburg, Indiana, and Linda (husband Andy) Getzy of Valparaiso, Indiana, several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
John was preceded in death by his, parents, sister, Maryann Drag, brother, Richard Socha, sisters-in-law, Diane Polak, and Cindy Perrine, brother-in-law, Gerry Polak.
No visitation or services are scheduled at this time, a private family celebration will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be given to American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home, or can be mailed to 6368 E. US 24, Monticello, Indiana 47960 C/O Socha Family.
Miller-Roscka Funeral Home is honored and blessed to assist the family during this difficult time.