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Michael Paul Sokolowski

Michael Paul Sokolowski obituary, Fairview Park, OH

FUNERAL HOME

Ripepi Funeral Home - Parma

5762 Pearl Rd.

Parma, Ohio

UPCOMING SERVICE

Visitation

Mar. 7, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. John Cantius Catholic Church

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Michael Sokolowski Obituary

age 65; passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026. Beloved husband of Patricia (nee McCue); loving father of George McDougall (Erika) and Sara; grandfather of Nicole and Emerson; Son of the late Bernard Sr. and Marion (nee Szwejkowski); dear brother of Bernard Jr. (Mary) and Mary Lou Balbier (Ronald); loving brother-in-law, uncle and dear friend of many. Mike was the co-owner of Sokolowski's University Inn, a Cleveland landmark restaurant since 1923 and a James Beard Award winner. He played baseball and football for Cleveland Central Catholic and graduated from Otterbein University. Michael was a member of the Greater Cleveland Umpire Association, officiating many Cleveland Indians Fantasy Camps. He loved cooking and taught classes at the Polaris Career Center for their community culinary arts program. Mike loved music, attending many concerts, and playing drums in bands and for his parish church masses. Former President of the Cleveland Society of Poles and a member of the Knights of Columbus Trinity Council. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Cleveland Central Catholic High School, 6550 Baxter Ave., Cleveland, OH 44105. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 906 College Ave, Cleveland, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 12 noon. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends received at the church, Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Cleveland.com from Feb. 26 to Mar. 1, 2026.

Memorial Events
for Michael Sokolowski

Mar

7

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

St. John Cantius Catholic Church

906 College Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113

Mar

7

Service

12:00 p.m.

St. John Cantius Catholic Church

906 College Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113

Funeral services provided by:

Ripepi Funeral Home - Parma

5762 Pearl Rd., Parma, OH 44129

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Sokolowski

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Tom Olschlager

Earlier today

Very saddened by Mike´s passing. I loved him the minute I met him. So many fond memories from high school and beyond. The stunts he pulled still make me laugh. A great guy who loved Cleveland Central Catholic. Faith, true friendship and laughter defined him. He would end every conversation with me by telling me that he loved me. Patty, you were so good to him, and I know that he loved you and the kids with everything he had. God bless you all.

Edward Zippay Jr

Earlier today

Mike always was kind and friendly as our family came to the Resturant often We even got to pray together there for him and Bernie and Mary. What a blessing to know Mike way back to CCC days.

Joe & Caryl Lecznar

Earlier today

Patty, we are so sorry for your loss. You now have an angel watching over you and he is at peace. Sending our love and prayers.

Chef Kris Kreiger

Earlier today

My condolences to Patty and the Family. Mike was a great guy, we had tons of laughs with the usual suspects in the afternoons at the University Inn. I was always proud to have made their Polska Kielbasa when I had the butcher shop. Prost Mike!!!

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