Obituary of William D. Sokel

Captain William Dale Sokel USNR (Retired), 72. Husband of Michelle (Mickey), father of Lauren (Kevin) Burke, Kristin Sokel, grandfather to Dylan, Declan, Darby Burke. Captain Sokel is also survived by his sisters Nancy (Dennis) Crowley, Washington Township NJ and Elizabeth (Jim deceased) Keel, Atlanta GA, and by his brothers Michael (Patricia) Sokel of Oreland PA, Richard (Christine) Sokel of Mesa AZ and John (Karin) Sokel of Annapolis MD. From his birth in Washington DC, Dale lived an extraordinary life of service to his country, his community and his family. Dale was a son of the Greatest Generation. His parents, Bill Sokel of Meriden CT and Marie Jones of Draper NC, met at the place and time of national service and it was that time that set the pattern of his life. Following graduation from LaSalle College in 1965, Dale enlisted in the US Navy. Following his commission and helicopter flight training, he began a 40 year career on active and reserve duty for his country. During that service he was awarded the Air Medal for rescue efforts during the Wilkes Barre floods. He flew from the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and several other ships, conducting numerous sea/air rescue missions. Following his discharge from active duty, he continued his service to the country as a Special Agent for the US Justice Dept and a member of the Brooklyn Strike Force of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. His professional career was a tribute to his dedication to hard work and his enormous personality, including the 24/7 management of a family-owned Florida Motel and a 30 year stint as a Senior Sales Engineer for the Mettler/Toledo Scale Corporation. Growing up in Oreland, Pa, attending Holy Martyrs, graduating from Bishop McDevitt and then LaSalle College , Dale developed a deep sense of how important community is. He worked as hard at this as any profession. Beginning with his work in founding Tau Kappa Epison (TKE), his service fraternity at LaSalle, Dale worked ceaselessly for the people around him. Fourteen years as a member and officer of the Springfield Township Board of Education, decades of volunteer service to the Township Athletic Association coaching the daughters of his friends and neighbors, the often thankless service of two Homeowners Associations were all Dale's gifts to his community. But it was to his family that Dale gave his greatest service. Dale became a father figure in 1967 following the passing of his father, Bill. Indeed, he became and remained that loving, caring father for the rest of his life. First for his brothers and sisters, especially after the loss of their mother in 1970, and then as the family grew to 68, each new member came under his wing. He gave every grace before every family affair. He spoke for the family at every event—sad or happy. He is and will remain a Beloved Patriarch. A Memorial Funeral Mass for William will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM from St. Helena Church, 1489 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa 19422. Fr. George Szparagowski will be officiating. Friends may call Friday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 AM at the Church. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: The National Brain Tumor Society http://braintumor.org/