Ralph Socia

OXFORD - Ralph J. Socia, 85, of Wheelock St., died Saturday, June 12, 2010, in his home. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vivian B. (Wilkins) Socia of Oxford; three children, Dennis J. Socia of North Oxford, Penny M. Cooney of Oxford, and Scott M. Socia of Oxford; a brother, Charles Socia of North Oxford; three sisters, Pauline Soucy of Oxford, Helen M. Shaw of Oxford, and Nora L. Williger of Island Falls, ME; ten grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a son, Gary Roy Socia of Oxford who died in 1965; and a brother, Frederick Socia of Maine who died in 1975. He was born in Hersey, ME, the son of the late Charles and Mary (Moran) Socia, and lived in Maine and Worcester before moving to Oxford in 1952. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Socia owned and operated Socia Brothers Siding in Oxford with his brother Charlie for 10 years, retiring in 1986. Previously, he worked for Allied Siding in Worcester for 20 years and Tilo Roofing Co. in Worcester for 10 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in North Oxford, and previously served on the finance committee and the board of directors at the church. He was in the Diaconate of the church for 15 years. Mr. Socia was a life member of the VFW Post 5663 and a member of the American Legion Post 58, both in Oxford. He enjoyed gourmet cooking and was known for the bread he made at the church. He was an avid sports fan, loved the Red Sox and the Patriots, and enjoyed bowling in several bowling leagues in the area. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, at the First Baptist Church, 693 Main St., North Oxford. Military burial will follow at North Cemetery, Oxford, with the Oxford Memorial Honor Guard participating. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 15, 2010, from 7-9 p.m. at Paradis Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Hospital Trust, 1 Autumn Street, Suite 731, Boston, MA 02215-5301.