Socrates "Soc" Spurgetis

1928 - 2025

Socrates "Soc" Spurgetis

October 21, 1928 - September 29, 2025

Socrates "Soc" Spurgetis, 96, of East Moline, Ill., passed away Monday September 29, 2025 at UnityPoint-Trinity, Rock Island, Ill.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, October 6th, at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline, Ill. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moline, Ill.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, October 5th, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, where a Trisagian (Prayer) Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline.

Socrates Spurgetis was born October 21, 1928, in Minatare, Neb., to George and Katina (Berle) Spurgetis. He graduated from United Township High School, East Moline, in 1947, where he played clarinet in the school's Concert and Marching Bands.

Soc was a member of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline, where he enjoyed singing in the church choir for 70 years. He also enjoyed bingo, cards, the casino boats, watching television, movies, travel and eating out.

Soc started in the restaurant business in 1947 when he opened the Chickadee Cafe in downtown East Moline. He sold the Chickadee in 1961 and went to work at Farmall from 1966 to 1985. After retiring from Farmall, Soc operated Soc's White House Cafe, Moline, for 17 years from 1986 to 2004.

Socrate's lifetime dream came true on May 9, 2005, a beautiful and unforgettable trip to Greece with his devoted and best long-time friend, Robert Prater, of Arkansas.

Soc and his family members cared for their beloved semi-invalid Mother, Katina, for 23 years. She preceded him in death in 1983.

Soc was loved by many people and will be missed by his family, relatives, and many friends. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Roxanne Spurgetis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Katina, brothers, Gus, Tom, and Frank Spurgetis, and sisters, Jennie Karman and Anne Allen.

Soc often wondered what life would be like in heaven where there is eternal happiness and joy and peace. Now he will know.

Online condolences may be left for the family at vanhoe.com.

Van Hoe Funeral Home

1500 6th Street East Moline, IL 61244

309-755-1414