Joseph R. Sokoloski
OBITUARY
Joseph R. Sokoloski, 78, of Peckville, passed peacefully on Sunday at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. Joe recently made the decision to transition to hospice care after a long, hard-fought battle with multiple chronic illnesses, and he was surrounded by his loving family until the end. His wife of more than 55 years is the former Judie Kimble.
Born in West Scranton on August 13, 1947, Joe was the son of the late Frank and Frances (Glevick) Sokoloski. He was a 1965 graduate of West Scranton High School where he made many life-long friends. While growing up in Keyser Valley, he was an avid baseball player and became a life-long fan of the Yankees. Joe retired 2 decades ago from Tobyhanna Army Depot as a Systems Analyst, after 37 years with the DOD. Throughout his career, he traveled the world, repairing and programming computers from Europe to the Orient, earning many awards along the way. He was also a rifle marksman with the US Army Reserves, honorably discharged in 1972.
Joe truly loved spending time with his family and many beloved pets. He was a prolific traveler, known to pack up the family for sudden weekend road trips and long vacations, including a 31-day cross-country family adventure. When asked how much longer the ride would be, his answer was always An hour and a half!. Some of his best memories with his daughters when they were young were weekly trips to Nay Aug Park to enjoy the rides and nights out for pizza at his favorite, Andy’s. He never missed a dance recital, a junior cheerleading competition, or a grade school play day, and he was always very proud of both of his girls.
He and Judie enjoyed their retirement wintering in Florida, taking over 20 cruises, making the most of their high-roller status on very frequent trips to Atlantic City, taking drives in his Corvette and later spending time with their cherished grandson, Chase.
Joe was very talented DIY guy and was often called on by friends and family for help with every type of home project. He took great pride in creating a unique family party space in his basement and a fun pool area for the summers. He was excited every year to beautifully decorate his home for Christmas, which was a neighborhood favorite. When his girls were young, he dressed as Santa and walked down the sidewalk every Christmas Eve, a memory that even some neighbors were smiling about this week as we remembered Dad.
Joe and his wife were blessed to have built their home and life in a fantastic neighborhood, where everyone remained close life-long friends. He enjoyed supporting the Valley View Cougar football team with the guys, gathering for our annual block party, and heading out for dinner often with the neighbors on Saturday nights. Joe is survived by his wife Judie, their daughters, Brandy Sokoloski and fianc Kris Sheridan, Peckville; Tracy Sklareski and her husband Chris and grandson, Chase Joseph Sklareski, Dickson City. The family would like to thank Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore and the staff of the Green Ridge Health Care Center, especially his favorite nurse Alex.
Viewing for family and friends will be on Thursday, 4 to 6:30 pm in the Edward J. Chomko Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC, 262 Railroad Avenue, West Scranton. A Blessing Service will be officiated by the Rev. Fr. James Paisley on Friday at 10 am in the funeral home. Interment at Cathedral Cemetery will follow with Military Honors accorded by the Dickson City Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers; memorial gifts in Joe’s name can be sent to Ronald McDonald House, 332 Wheeler Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510 or Animal Care Associates of Scranton.
Joseph R. Sokoloski
January 25, 2026