Craig J. Sockel

Craig J. Sockel, 64, of West Chester, PA, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025 holding the hand of his wife and best friend, Karen. Craig is the son of the late Joseph R. and Doris L. (Schlegel) Sockel. Craig is survived by his devoted wife, Karen (Gerace) Sockel. Also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tina and Joseph Weber, who he loved dearly and considered his siblings. Craig was born on December 10, 1961, at Reading Hospital.

Craig attended Holy Name High School and Albright College. He worked as an IT Manager at Encompass Insurance and as a Senior Systems Manager at Allstate Insurance before following his passion and starting his own wedding photography business, Sockel Photography.

A man of many talents, Craig’s love of music was evident as he played bass and sang in bands Vulture, Savage, Orient, and Jester. Craig attended The University of the Arts for Recording Technologies. He channeled his love of music and started Orient Studios in 2001. In addition, he was the Chief Audio Engineer contractor with local Internet Company P-Wave Inc. As part of his P-wave experience, Craig did audio for the 1999 Berks Jazz Fest for a remote WebCast of the Blue of the Fire Orchestra.

From an early age, Craig was fascinated with astronomy and space. So, it is only fitting that some of his ashes will be part of Celestis Memorial Spaceflight where they will be included in Earth Orbit and circle the Earth for decades, re-entering the atmosphere at some point and harmlessly vaporizing like a shooting star. Craig’s remaining ashes will be scattered at a location that he and Karen considered very special to them.

Craig “Eggy” will be remembered for his gift of gab and storytelling, complete with voices for each character. His mischievous smile was infectious. He enjoyed building and flying remote controlled airplanes and was a former member of the Tri-County Wing Snappers.

Craig loved all animals, especially rabbits. If you are inclined to make a donation in Craig’s memory, please consider Luv-N-Bunns Rabbit Rescue (luvnbunns.org), your favorite animal rescue, or the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). However, you may wish to choose your own charity and Craig would appreciate that.

There are no services scheduled at this time.