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Robert Sokolove Obituary

Dr. Robert Sokolove, 72, died on October 28, 2018 after a year long fight against brain cancer. Originally from California, But living in Boston since coming to BU for graduate school, Dr. Sokolove lived a life committed to social justice, service, and the care of patients with complex illness. He was a vital member for the staff of the Boston Medical Center since 1991, and directed the Social Rehab Service at the Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center from 1977-1991. Dr. Sokolove leaves his wife of 41 years, his 2 adult children, and many other relatives, colleagues, and friends. He will be remembered for his work as an educator, a tireless advocate for his patients, and a dedicated clinician as well as a living husband, father, colleague and friend. A service in celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, Dec 16 @2:00 @ First Unitarian Society of Newton 1326 Washington St West Newton. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers a Go Fund Me account had been established in Dr. Sokoloves name which will be funneled into a foundation for the department of General Internal Medicine at the Boston Medical Center in order to support his legacy of caring for the complex pati- ent. Details may be found at www.eatonandmackay.com

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

Published by The Newton Tab from Dec. 4 to Dec. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sokolove

Sponsored by Eaton & Mackay Funeral Home.

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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

SH

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

Make a Donation
in Robert Sokolove's name

Memorial Events
for Robert Sokolove

Dec

16

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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