WESTFIELD – Raymond John Sokolowski (John), 97, died peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He was born in Westfield MA on February 29, 1928, to the late 
Aleksander and Klementyina (Chrzanowska) Sokolowski.
He leaves his devoted and loving partner of 20 years, Barbara Applebee, whom he loved more deeply than words can say. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, Stephania (Lis) Sokolowski on December 2, 2004. His son, Raymond John Sokolowski, Jr., preceded his death on February 12, 2000. He leaves his daughter, Elizabeth (Sokolowski) McCarty, his grandchildren Ariel McCarty, Cassidy McCarty, and Alexander Sokolowski, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He served the United States Army on active duty during the Korean war and was awarded the Army Occupation Medal. He worked as a Field Investigator for the Massachusetts Department of Employment Security for decades before he retired. He was a lifelong resident of Westfield MA. He enjoyed spending time with Barbara, practicing Transcendental Meditation twice daily (for 52 years), ballroom dancing, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and making trips to Florida. He enjoyed the Sanskrit mantra “Om So Hum” which encourages a sense of oneness with all of existence.
Military honors will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA on June 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to: Whip City Animal Sanctuary, 232 Montgomery Street, Westfield, MA 01085. To plant a tree in his memory, please visit firtionadams.com.
