David E. Socall

David E. Socall, age 73, of Novi, formerly of Trenton and Canton, passed away May 10, 2023 after a long-fought battle with cancer. He was born on June 10, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan, son of Harvey and Jacqueline (DeVoy) Socall. He attended Cherry Hill High School in Inkster; class of 1967. David met the love of his life, Carole Sowa, while cruising Telegraph in his dream car, a 1967 GTO. They were united in marriage on October 16, 1970 and spent 27 years devoted to one another until Carole’s death on April 17, 1998.

David worked as a store manager at Farmer Jack Supermarket for many years before transitioning to a career with Chrysler. He worked as a job setter at the Detroit Axle Plant for over 20 years before retiring in 2009.

David and Carole raised their girls in Canton. Many memories were made at their home in the Brookside Village subdivision. In the mid 80’s they moved to a more spacious home in Canton, where many more memories were made. When the girls were grown and after Carole passed away, David moved to Trenton and realized his dream of living on the water. He lived in a condo on the Detroit River with his beloved “Sea Bee” Four Winns pleasure cruiser just steps away. He resided in Trenton for 20 years before moving to Novi to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, David travelled extensively with his wife and family. He visited many locations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. He also enjoyed multiple cruises to the Caribbean. However, nothing compared to a trip to his favorite place, Las Vegas. He visited as often as he could and was a skilled blackjack player. He would go multiple times per year and would even try his hand in the occasional tournament. It wouldn’t be unusual for Dave to come home full of pride that he won enough to pay for his trip.

David was an avid sports fan. He loved his Tigers, Red Wings and Michigan football. He even hung in there with the Lions. Right up until the end, he was watching his beloved Tigers from his hospital bed.

His greatest joy in life was his family and the traditions they shared; these included pierogi day, cookie day, family birthdays and holiday get-togethers. Dave took pride in making trips to Hamtramck to pick up authentic Polish kielbasa for special occasions. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. He looked forward to attending their extracurricular activities including recitals, soccer games, and horse shows. Although he followed his budget to a tee, he always made sure his grandchildren were spoiled. David was known as Grandpa Dave not only to his own grandchildren, but even to those outside of the immediate family. On special holidays, he always made sure he had a gift for everyone. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

David is survived by his adoring daughters, Dana (Dan) O’Connor and Andrea (Eathen) Rentz; his grandchildren: Caleb, Ella, Chloe, and Gabi; and his brothers, Danny (Karen) Socall and Doug Socall. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole Socall; his parents Harvey and Jacqueline; his twin brother Dennis who died as a toddler; and his sister, Diane Fairchild.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 15, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service at 5:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. Dinner and Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Genitti’s Hole in the Wall at 108 East Main Street, Northville. Mr. Socall will be laid to rest next to his wife at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society , PO Box 22324, New York, New York, 10087.