SOKOLOVE, Dr. Robert Leslie 72, died early on Oct 28th, with his wife of 41 years at his side. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Sokolove attended the University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1968. While at Berkeley, he discovered a lifelong passion for social justice. This led him to volunteer for a year with VISTA, as a community organizer in rural Virginia before moving to Boston to study psychology at Boston University. Dr. Sokolove received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 1975 and continued to teach at BU for the remainder of his career. Shortly after receiving his doctorate, Dr. Sokolove accepted the position of Director of Social Rehabilitation Services at the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center, in Boston, where he served his patients and the community for several years. In 1991, Dr. Sokolove left the Fuller Center to join the Medicine, Neurology, and Psychiatry Departments at Boston Medical Center where he integrated the disciplines of medicine and psychology. Here he developed a specialization in multicultural psychology and in trauma treatment and instituted an annual conference on "The Care of the Complex Patient." Also at BMC, Dr. Sokolove taught numerous medical residents and psychology trainees as well as consulting to and supporting his colleagues of all disciplines. Dr. Sokolove was a cheerful, kind and gentle man of exceptional intellect, understanding, wit, and compassion - a calm and steady presence, and a true humanitarian. He was dearly loved and admired and will be profoundly missed by his wife Ann, his son David, his daughter Sara, and his Labrador retriever Tassy, as well as by his many other relatives, friends, colleagues, students, and patients. Donations in his honor may be made to gofundme.com/dr-robert-sokolove-memorial-fund. The donations received will be funneled into the establishment of a foundation for the Department of General Internal Medicine at the Boston Medical Center. A Celebration of Dr. Sokolove's life will be held on Sun., Dec. 16 at 2 PM at the First Unitarian Society in Newton 1326 Washington St., West Newton. To share e memory of Dr. Sokolove, please visit www.eatonandmackay.com

Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT SOKOLOVE

12 Entries

Roberta Schiller

July 4, 2025

I went to Emerson Jr High and University High with Rob. I know he passed away several years ago but I just learned of it. He was a special person. I am so sorry for your loss. Roberta Garb Schiller

Edward Schork PhD

January 22, 2024

Just seeing the Obit Jan 2024. At 72, I am a psychologist therapist near the end of my career, but from 1982 to 1985, Dr. Sokolove was my therapist. He generously donated his time for $5 a session! This was part of a program organized by psychologists in Boston at the time whereby "psychologists took care of their own" trainees otherwise unable to afford therapy - a miracle of solidarity, vision and kindness that probably saved my career, I was quite stressed and somewhat hit and miss there for awhile. I owe him a profound debt of gratitude, he literally shepherded me through major stressful early career hurdles after my internship such as finishing my dissertation and postdoc training, to the point of 'growing up and getting launched' which took me to marriage, moving to NY and my first "real" job as a fully licensed psychologist at NY Presbyterian/Cornell Med. Rob was smart, insightful, kind, empathic, patient, and an incredibly generous humanitarian. He was the right therapist at the right time, and his skills helped me get through a very challenging period in my life. I will forever be grateful to him, and the parents who raised him obviously so well to be what he was, for the wonderful human being that he was for me, and I'm sure so many countless others. May you rest in peace Rob. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my therapeutic soul. Oh, and Rob, I have concluded that you were right, "Insight IS cheap" lol. See you on the other side Doc, whenever that day may come.

Beverly Johnson

September 3, 2023

Rob, I remember you with love and gratitude

Rick Barber

October 8, 2020

Ann, if you are reading this, I realize I was totally unaware of Rob's passing as I don't know why I was just thinking of Rob out of Nowhere his Memory popped into my mind; I remember having Supervision and pulling out his Pipe:).
I remember both of you very well, & you up on May 3 as an RN there!
I became the Coordinator of BSH/BU School of Medicine Day Program/ Partial Hospitalization program; sometime in 1975 at the time of moving Outpatients into the Community; Rob was my Boss and Clinical Administrator who guided me along the way...so many fond Memories of both of you; when I assisted May 3 working 2 weeks up on May 3 evenings, I have Fond Memories of working with Jill Hallisey, Hi Jill, if you are reading also:). Die to Rob's connections we had Awesome Clinical meetings with Marty Schotz, as well:)
Thank you Ann, for being there for us as we all supported Dr. Siegal on May 3! May God Bless ya; Grieving takes it's toll for sure; knowing you as I recall, you were always Resilient; you are in my Prayers, both you & your Family!

Feel free to reach out anytime...I went by "Dick" back in those days; now, I am known as Rick...I'll leave my email address here...

CLAUDIA CHURCH

June 6, 2019

The best of men and a wonderful Doctor. I was so fortunate to have him as my therapist for years, a kind and caring human being he will be sorely missed

Les Cahan

March 12, 2019

I just learned about my old junior high and high school friend Robbie (as we called him then ) Sokolove's passing. It has been son many years, but in reading the obituary, I recognized his selfless devotion that I recalled from our days at Emerson Junior High school and later Uni High. Robbie always told me he was interested in what he called "human factors" and I see that in his career as a psychologist, he fulfilled that interest. I recall his smile, devotion to guitar music, and the genuine good spirit that he conveyed. When we spoke about Robbie, it was always with a smile. I regret not keeping more in touch, but I see that he lived a life of devotion to people, to helping people, and I'm sure touched all who knew him. Rest in peace my old friend.

Les Cahan

Theresa Lydon

January 2, 2019

Thanks for being a very good dr who listened. He gave wise and nonjudgmental answers.I will miss you very much. There is no one that can even try to fill your shoes. I hope rest in peace. Lots of kisses. Theresa Lydon,Thanks for being a very good dr who listened. He gave wise and nonjudgmental answers.I will miss you very much. There is no one that can even try to fill your shoes. I hope rest in peace. Lots of kisses. Theresa Lydon

December 16, 2018

My sincere condolences to the family,may you find comfort in the God of all comfort during this difficult time

December 16, 2018

Dr. Sokolove has made significant contributions to the field of psychology and has positively impacted the careers of students and trainees, and helped the lives of hundreds of patients. Thank you. Warm thoughts to family.

Jill Hallisey

December 2, 2018

So sorry for your loss. I worked with Rob years ago at BMC. He was always a delight to work with .

Bruce Teague

November 30, 2018

Love and Blessings to Ann and the Sokolove family.
Grateful for the good doctor's presence in my life

November 22, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. Our Heavenly Father knows how you feel and provides loving support and comfort through His word.

John 6:40

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

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Memorial Events
for ROBERT SOKOLOVE

Dec

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m.

First Unitarian Society of Newton

1326 Washington St., West Newton, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home

465 Centre St, Newton, MA 02458

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