Andrew Stanley Socha Jr.

Andrew Socha Jr., 77 of (Hackettstown) Washington Township, Morris County, NJ passed away peacefully on August 17, 2022 with his devoted wife by his side.

Andrew was born on June 26, 1945 in Steubenville, Ohio to the late Andrew Stanley Socha Sr. and Sophie Socha(nee; Cybulski)

Growing up in Steubenville, Ohio, Andrew attended St. Stanislaus grade school and then Catholic Central High School where he ran track. His speed on the track team drew the attention of the football coach. He was encouraged to try out, and made the football team. This move earned him a scholarship to play football with the Thundering Herd at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. While at Marshall, Andrew majored in Physical Education and Biological Science and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He was a three time varsity letterman on the football team and in his senior year ran for a career best 166 yards in an upset victory against Kent State. Andrew was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Team and selected to the Associated Press All-American Team. In 1967 he was drafted by the NFL’s Washington Redskins. In 2009 he was inducted into the Marshall University Athletic Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the University and the football team. Although Andrew’s achievements at Marshall were incredible, his biggest was the day he met his wife on a blind date. Andrew and Nancy Kiefer dated for two years and were married on May 24th, 1969. Andrew and Nancy were the proud parents of 3 boys, Erik, Greg & Tim. Andrew was briefly employed as a teacher and coached Junior High Football at Leestown Junior High in Lex ington Kentucky. He changed careers and began working for Silver Burdett in school book publishing and sales. Always striving to do his best for his family, he advanced professionally and ultimately ended his career as Vice President, Editorial Director for Elementary Science at Macmillan/McGraw-Hill in New York City and Columbus OH, retiring in 2012. Andrew loved to exercise and the outdoors. He had a passion for running that carried on through his adult life, running in several marathons. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter and had a passion for biking. He enjoyed gardening and maintaining a well-kept yard that was the envy of many. Andrew also had a love for woodworking, photography, and traveling with Nancy to US National Parks. Above all, he loved his family and treasured every moment spent together. He will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate to know him.He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Nancy Kiefer Socha, his loving sons; Erik and his wife Gina, Gregory, Timothy and his wife Kristy and his cherished grandchildren; Evan, Sam, Katelyn, Hannah and stepmother Lucy C. Socha.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Andrew’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering , David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 2-4 PM at the Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 [add in lieu of flowers note]

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maguire- Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. To send an online condolence please visit www.maguire-scalamemorialhome.com.