Raymond M. Sokola of Wilmington, Delaware peacefully transitioned to his eternal life on May 1, 2024 at the age of 89 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 7, 1934 to Frank M. and Francis M. Sokola in Minersville, PA. He graduated from Minersville High School in June 1952 and then moved to Delaware in September of that year to work at GM on Boxwood Road. In 1954 he began working for DuPont in the Plastics Department at Chestnut Run. He retired from DuPont in 1992.
Ray enjoyed a loving marriage to his wife Lena E. (Taglieri) Sokola for 70 years. After Ray retired, they enjoyed traveling together, especially to Poland and Italy from where their ancestors came. Ray and Lena loved to garden, and they spent many summer hours making Ray’s famous bread and butter pickles. His recipe was featured in the food section of the News-Journal. Ray was an avid sports fan and especially loved the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Family gatherings always included stories filled with past and present sports trivia.
Besides his wife, Lena, Ray is survived by sons Ray (Mary Ann), David (Kathy M.), Gary (Kathy F.), and daughter Beth Baron (Danny). He also is survived by his grandchildren Brad Sokola (Valerie), Alica Thornton (Evan), Megan Sokola, and Jeremy Baron (Erin), and great-grandchildren Ava Grace Thornton, Owen James Thornton, Max Sokola, and Lyla May Sokola. In addition, he leaves behind his brother Leonard (Noreen) and sister Joan Fogarty (Marty), and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Raymond was predeceased by his daughter Barbara and brothers George, John, and Albert.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 7 from 10-11:30 am at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pk. Wilmington, DE where a funeral service will follow at 11:30 am. Burial will be held privately at a later date.
To honor his memory, the family requests that you do a good deed for someone. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brandywine Fire Company, www.bhfc11.com, who came to assist him many times during his final months.
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
