Raymond John Sokolowski

Raymond John Sokolowski (John), 97, died peacefully on Sunday, 5-25-2025. He was born in Westfield, MA on 2-29-1928 to the late Aleksander and Klementyina (Chrzanowska) Sokolowski. He leaves his devoted and loving partner of 20 years, Barbara Applebee, whom he loved more deeply than words can say. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Stephania (Lis) Sokolowski on 12-02-2004. His son, Raymond John Sokolowski, Jr, preceded his death on 2-12-2000. He leaves his daughter, Elizabeth (Sokolowski) McCarty, his grandchildren Ariel McCarty, Cassidy McCarty, and Alexander Sokolowski, and numerous nieces and nephews. He served the United States Army on active duty during the Korean war and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal. He worked as a Field Investigator for the Massachusetts Department of Employment Security for decades before he retired. He was a life-long resident of Westfield, MA. He enjoyed spending time with Barbara, practicing Transcendental Meditation twice daily (for 52 years), ballroom dancing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and making trips to Florida. He enjoyed the Sanskrit mantra "Om So Hum" which encourages a sense of oneness with all of existence. Military honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001 on 6-04-2025 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to: Whip City Animal Sanctuary, 232 Montgomery St., Westfield, MA 01085. To plant a tree in his memory, please visit firtionadams.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond John Sokolowski, please visit our floral store.