Robert M. Sochacki

Robert M. Sochacki, age 78, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away February 7, 2025. Bob was born on July 12, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Albert M. and Mary G. (Gougeon) Sochacki. Bob was united in marriage to Leanie A. Bayly on October 24, 1981, devoted to their love for over 43 years.

Bob graduated from St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the Class of 1964. He was a member of the Order of Friars Minor, where he was known as Friar Henry. During his undergraduate studies, he focused on Latin, Greek, theology, and philosophy. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy and his master’s degree from Wayne State University. Committed to lifelong learning, he later continued his education at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. His dedication to labor law inspired him to continue his education.

Bob built a lifelong career in labor relations, starting with Ford Motor Company in Detroit. Early in his tenure, he was transferred to New York, where he met the love of his life, Leanie. A new opportunity in the same field with Northrop Aerospace led them to relocate in 1981 to California. Bob returned to Ford in 1987, working for Ford Aerospace in Colorado Springs and later in Batavia, Ohio. When Ford transferred him back to Michigan in 1993, Bob settled his family in Northville’s Historic District. He concentrated on UAW negotiations for which he had great patience. So much so that he volunteered his time to lecture Physician Assistant students at U of D Mercy providing guidance in the art of contract negotiation in preparation for future employment. After a dedicated career, he retired from Ford in 2011. Keeping busy after retirement, Bob chose to work as a train conductor at The Henry Ford Museum and he served as a tour docent and event planner at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum. 

He was a man of strong faith and an active member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, where he taught catechism to young students, including his daughter. Bob was deeply committed to serving the Northville community, taking on various committee roles throughout the years. He served as a commissioner for Northville Parks and Recreation and as an elected board member for the Northville District Library. Always ready to step up, he coached his son’s soccer team when Parks and Rec struggled to find volunteers to coach.

A passionate reader, Bob encouraged literacy in many ways. He volunteered to read during "March is Reading Month" at the charter school where his daughter worked in Saginaw, and he also helped the school by plowing and creating a garden in the schoolyard. His dedication to education and community service extended to organizing and running the Northville District Library’s Battle of the Books, an event he made both exciting and memorable.

Bob’s service to Northville went beyond committees and schools. He volunteered as the Sexton for Oakwood Cemetery during the cemetery walks, bringing history to life for visitors. He also loved participating in historical reenactments at Greenfield Village and Mill Race Village, blending his passion for history with his love of storytelling. Additionally, Bob was an avid genealogy researcher, always eager to uncover and preserve family history.

A true "gadget guy," Bob enjoyed upgrading to the latest technology and keeping up with innovations. He was also a Detroit Tigers fan, attending games and sharing in the excitement of baseball. One of his hidden talents was his incredible sense of direction—he was like a human GPS, always knowing the best route and even the landmarks along the way.

Bob’s intelligence, humor, and social nature made him easy to get along with and a joy to be around. His magnetic personality and love for people fueled his passion for volunteerism, and he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His determination, warmth, and dedication to his community will always be remembered.

Bob is survived by his wife Leanie Bayly; his children, Chelsea (Jacob Sommerville) Bayly Sochacki and Terrance (Ashley Guibord) Bayly Sochacki; his grandchildren, Reginald and Roxanna; and his siblings, Catherine (Robert Hentges) Sochacki, Thomas Sochacki, Michael (Jill) Sochacki, Jr., Richard (Jude) Sochacki, Mary (Paul) Urbanek, and James (Ruth) Sochacki. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret Fanella, and his brother-in-law Piero Fanella.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 21, 2025 at 11:00 am with memorial visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard, Northville. The funeral mass will be live streamed at https://www.olvnorthville.org/.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Northville District Library, 212 West Cady Street, Northville, MI 48167 or Living and Learning Enrichment Center, 801 Griswold Street, Northville, MI 48167.