Ronald J. Soroka

Ronald “Ron” John Soroka, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret., USAF), passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012. Lt. Col. Soroka was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Soroka of Cleveland, Ohio and attended Case Western University. He earned a B. A. Degree from the University of Maryland, a M. S. degree from the University of Southern Illinois and pursued doctoral studies at Auburn University. Lt. Col. Soroka also served his country with valor and patriotism as a member of the United States Air Force for 23 years, including tours of duty in Korea, the Belgian Congo, Japan , Viet Nam and Alaska, and was the recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Republic of Viet Nam Commendation Medal, Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Southeast Asia Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Expeditionary Medal. Upon military retirement, Lt. Col. Soroka and his family moved to Montgomery, Alabama where he began a second career dedicated to helping young adults with disabilities as Director of Vocational Training, Montgomery Association for Retarded Children (McInnis School); Director of the Hanan Center, a work center for mentally challenged young adults; and the Elks Memorial Center, a residential facility for adults with mental and physical limitations. In each program he gained recognition for his managerial ability, dedication and true willingness to demonstrate and provide an understanding of the effort required to provide quality assistance to these special men and women. Lt. Col. Soroka was a faithful member of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, and over the years, he enjoyed serving as a Parking Lot Usher, Sanctuary Usher and as an active volunteer for the Christian Job Exchange. Left to cherish the memory of Lt. Col. Soroka are his loving wife, Joanna T. Soroka, whom he married on August 12, 1961; son, John Jeffrey Soroka and his wife, Wendy Michelle and son Marc Alan Soroka; grandson Marc “Macky” Soroka, Jr.; his brothers, John J. Soroka and Thomas F. Soroka and his wife Elizabeth “Betty”; a nephew Gregory Thomas Soroka and his wife Amy and other close family members and friends. Visitation will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. prior to Chapel services at 2:30 p.m. Burial with full military honors will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity.