Michael “Mike” Sockol faced his health challenges with courage and grace, but after a gallant three-year battle with pancreatic cancer, Mike passed away on October 1^st.

Born on June 28, 1959, Mike moved to Needham, MA in 1967. Upon graduating from Needham High School in 1977, he attended Colgate University where he majored in history and political science graduating cum laude in 1981. His college extracurriculars included theater and working for the campus radio station, WRCU-FM as a DJ, news director, and “newsguy.”

Mike worked in radio stations throughout the south including Savannah, GA, Charlotte, NC, and eventually in Beaumont TX where he met his future wife, Lisa Horan. Eventually, Mike moved back to New England, where broadcast work in Rhode Island and New Hampshire led to Mike’s primary profession: public relations. He worked for 5 years at the DeCordova Art Museum in MA where Mike brought his educational experience and passion to bear. In 1996, he joined Global Crossing as head of Internal Communications.

Mike’s commitment to public service led him to serve on Monmouth County Library Commission for two years, and on the Holmdel Board of Education for twelve years, most recently as Vice President during the Covid pandemic.

Mike’s passion for the theater drew him to play acting and play writing. His first play, “Horseshoes” was produced for the Thespis Theater Festival and debuted at the Hudson Guild in New York. In addition to “Horseshoes,” “Pets (and Their Humans)” are both licensed worldwide through Broadway Licensing. His over 30 plays have had successful local and regional productions.

In addition to his other steadfast commitments, Mike taught graduate level corporate communications courses at NYU for four years.

A devoted husband, family man, father, brother, son, School Board member, published playwright, accomplished actor, teacher, community volunteer and organizer, and friend to all, Mike Sockol was well loved and deeply admired.

Mike’s beloved family includes his sons, Matthew and Thomas, his parents, Aaron and Lois Sockol, his brothers Eric, Jon, and Jim Sockol, his sisters-in-law Judy, Vivian and Margie Sockol, his devoted brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Ron and Theresa Horan and Missy Horan, his mother-in-law Nancy Horan, his wife Lisa, and his many nieces and nephew

Funeral service will be Monday, October 3^rd at 2:00 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  Burial to follow in Mt. Sinai Cemetery, Marlboro.

A shiva observance will be held for Mike on October 3^rd at 3:00 pm at the Duncan Smith Theatre, 22 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel and on October 6^th & 7^th at 2:00 pm at the home of Aaron & Lois Sockol in Needham, MA. For those who wish to make a gift in Mike’s memory, donations may be made to: The Michael Sockol Jewish Writers Fund at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave. Needham, MA 02494.