Obituary of Michael Socha
Michael Socha, 40, of South Plainfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on August 3, 1985, in Belleville, New Jersey, he grew up in South Plainfield—the town he cherished and proudly called home his entire life.
Michael was the sweetest, most generous soul imaginable. Kind, intelligent, and endlessly thoughtful, he had an extraordinary gift for making people laugh until tears streamed down their faces. A natural storyteller, he drew everyone in with his humor, warmth, and big heart. To know Michael was to feel instantly welcomed, valued, and deeply cared for.
Selfless to his core, Michael was always the first to help. He looked after his parents with unwavering devotion—handling groceries, car repairs, household fixes, whatever was needed. He was just a phone call away for his sister, ready to drop everything. That same caring spirit extended to friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.
His lifelong passion for motorsports began young, building a quad with his father and tearing up trails on dirtbikes. Before he could even drive legally, he was dreaming of cars—spending teenage summers working on pools to save for his beloved Ford Lightning, which he immediately customized with pride. That passion became his life’s work.
In 2009, he founded AutoTech in South Plainfield, building the business from the ground up through tireless dedication and unmatched work ethic. Known for the longest hours and the highest standards, Michael took immense pride in fixing vehicles and helping people get back on the road.
Before he turned 30, in 2013, he took on another challenge and built a residential home for sale in town, yet another successful entrepreneurial achievement. In 2015, he took another bold step toward legacy-building by purchasing a commercial property, always thinking ahead for the future.
When he wasn’t working on cars, he spent most of his free time riding through trails and enjoying nature. Sometimes even just sitting outside and watching the animals was enough.
Michael is survived by his devoted parents, Maria and Wojciech Socha; his beloved sister Michelle Socha-Emerson and her husband Daniel Emerson; his cherished nieces and goddaughter Isla and Elle Emerson, whom he adored—always coaxing giggles, giving piggyback rides, and showering them with love; and his special girlfriend, Gianna Ruzicka, who held an irreplaceable place in his heart.
He leaves behind an extended family, his tight-knit South Plainfield neighborhood “family,” and a wide circle of friends who will forever carry his laughter, kindness, and generous spirit.
Michael’s legacy of love, humor, and selflessness will live on in every life he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The visitation will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 4-8pm in the McCriskin – Gustafson Home For Funerals 2425 Plainfield Ave. South Plainfield, NJ 07080.
The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:30am at Our Lady of Czestochowa RC Church, South Plainfield, NJ.
Immediately following mass, Mike will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, NJ.