Ralph S. Sokolow, 61, Vietnam Veteran, enjoyed his grandkids

He was born December 2, 1942 in Cleveland and lived in Avon since 1957. He was a 1961 graduate of Avon High School where he played on the football team.

He served in the Air Force from 1962-1966 during the Vietnam era and trained German Shepherds as guard dogs. Ralph was employed as a sandblaster and laborer for Ford Motor Company at the casting plant in Brook Park for the past 35 years. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church, Avon. Mr. Sokolow enjoyed his grandchildren, working on cars, gardening, and collecting model trains.

Mr. Sokolow is survived by a son, David Sokolow (Andrea) of Avon Lake; three daughters Katherine Sull (Steve) of Fort Drum, New York; Karen Sokolow of Avon and Sharon Harrison of Avon Lake and six grandchildren, Dan, Tavis, Cassie, and Matthew Sokolow and Luke and Constanzia Sull. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Jean (nee Bentz) Sokolow.

Friends may call at the Busch-Burmeister Family Chapel, 32000 Detroit Rd. Avon from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Prayer services will be held at the funeral home Thursday April 29 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Trinity Church, 33601 Detroit Rd. Avon at 10:00 a.m. Fr. John Misenko will celebrate the mass. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Brook Park.

Memorials may be forwarded to the Easter Seals of Northeast Ohio, 1929 E. Royalton Rd. Broadview Hts. OH 44147, the American Heart Association of Northeast Ohio, 1689 East 115th E. Cleveland, OH 44106 or the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1000 E. Edgerton Rd. Broadview Hts. OH 44147.