AARON "RON" SOCKOL

Ron Sockol of Needham, MA, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2025.

Beloved husband of Lois Sockol for 71 years. Devoted father of Eric Sockol and his wife Judy, Jon Sockol and his wife Vivian, Jim Sockol and his wife Margie, and the late Michael Sockol. Cherished grandfather of Alyson, Jessica, Matthew, Thomas, Gerad, Michala, Ben, Brian, and Danielle, and proud great-grandfather of Colby, Luke, Jackson, and Sloane. Loving brother of the late Dorothy, Alton, and Maynard Sockol.

Ron was born in Newport, Vermont on May 6, 1930, and moved to Brookline, MA at a young age. He graduated from Brookline High School and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Babson College. He proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

In 1963 he started a home remodeling business with the notorious tagline, “Remodeling Can Be Fun”.

A resident of Needham for 58 years, Ron was deeply dedicated to giving back to his community. His extraordinary record of service included leadership roles as President of the Needham Rotary Club, Town Meeting Member for more than 30 years, Trustee of Memorial Park for over two decades, and Board Member of both the Needham Community Council and the Needham Educational Foundation. He also served as President of Needham Pop Warner Football and spent over 20 years coaching Needham football and Little League.

Ron spearheaded and organized numerous community initiatives, including Community Weekend, during which hundreds of volunteers came together to construct a new roof and second floor at Memorial Park. He led the 100th Anniversary celebration of the Needham High School Football game, which drew approximately 20,000 fans and earned him a letter of recognition from the President of the United States. He also oversaw the creation of a garden and memorial honoring the victims of September 11.

In recognition of his tireless service, Ron was honored with multiple awards, including but not limited to, Needham Volunteer of the Year, Rotarian of the Year Award, Richard Melick Award, Leslie B Cutler Service Award, Stephanie J Kalin Service Award, The 2021 Grand Marshall of the Needham Fourth of July parade and several state citations.

While Ron gave endlessly to his community, his greatest joy came from his family. He cherished time with Lois, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was happiest when surrounded by their love and laughter.

Ron was a man of warmth, generosity, and quiet strength. He deeply believed in the importance of giving back. As one community member once told Lois, “Ron taught me what volunteer means”. His devotion to Needham, particularly its youth, has left a lasting legacy that cannot be measured.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial services to immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Memorial observance will begin following the burial services at Temple Beth Shalom from 1:00 – 4:00pm. On Wednesday, September 3, 2025, a memorial observance will be held in the evening at Temple Beth Shalom from 6:00 – 8:30pm. On Thursday a memorial observance will be held in the evening at the family home from 5–8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the Michael Sockol Writer’s Fund at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA 02492.

May his memory forever be a blessing.