William Socha

William L. Socha, age 88, of Lewiston, died Tuesday March 8, 2011 in the Northgate Manor Nursing Home in Wheatfield after a long illness. William was born December 11, 1922 in Lyons Falls, NY, the son of the late John and Jennie (Mikolajczyk) Socha Rybacki and was a graduate of Trott Vocational High School in Niagara Falls. He served as a U.S. Army Medic from 1944 to his honorable discharge in 1946. He was the recipient of the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the WW II Victory Medal. On June 6, 1967 he married Margaret (Morrison) Socha and they resided in the Town of Lewiston for over 30 years. Margaret predeceased him in 2004. William was a Machinist, employed by Chisholm-Ryder Inc., in Niagara Falls, NY for 41 years. He was a member of the Grand Lodge Masons, Charlotte Lodge # 73 F. & A.M. in Newfane and attended the First Presbyterian Church in Lewiston. William enjoyed bird watching, fishing, gardening, fixing and building things, as well as travelling to Las Vegas. He is survived by his step children, Richard P. (Gail) Bimont of Lewiston and Christine A. Biamonte of St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Caitlin, Ryan, and Megan Bimont; two brothers, Edward Socha of Sun City, FL and Theodore Socha of Lockport; two sisters, Veronica Hallissey of Illinois and Adele Glena of Lockport. He was predeceased by three brothers, Stanley and Richard Rybacki, and Michael Socha. A Memorial Service will be held at HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston on Sunday, March 13, at 1:00 pm, with the Rev. Robert Bellingham officiating. A Masonic Service will follow at 1:30 pm. There will be no prior visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.