Richard Sokol

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 from 10:30 – 11 a.m. at Wylie Baxley Funeral Home, Merritt Island.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, January 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home with Rev. Anjeanette Allen, Chaplin at Wuesthoff Brevard Hospice, officiating. Burial will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims.

Richard was born in Maquoketa, IA to Arch and Margeret Sokol on August 16, 1928 and attended school in Maquoketa. He enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1946 at age 17 and served for over 30 years with distinction to defend and protect our nation and the freedom of all people. Among his tours of duty he served in the Korean War and supported our NATO forces in Naples, Italy. While assigned to the Navel Training Center, Great Lakes, IL. Richard met and married World War II Navy Wave, Kathleen (Kitty) Carey, his wife of over 43 years until her passing. He retired on August 1, 1976 as a Chief Warrant Officer 4.

After his retirement, Richard became a long-time resident of Merritt Island during which time he met his loving current wife Rosa (Dini) Sokol, who herself was a widow. He was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church and a volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul providing emergency food and clothing assistance to needy people in our Merritt Island community. He also was a member of Toastmasters International, improving communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Richard was an American Cut Glass enthusiast and member of the American Cut Glass Association devoted to the study and research of 1876-1914 American Brilliant Cut Glass.

He is survived by his wife Rosa Sokol and his brother Judge Donald Sokol (Ret.). His children Linda Rutland and Tina Brunhart. Rosa's children Linda Ferrara (Michael) and Michael Legge (Kimberly). Beloved Pop-pop Richard to Nathaniel, Kayla, Madison, Maleia, Lexas and Steven.

Richard’s family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who touched their lives at this difficult time.