[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 83 (Thursday, May 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING SOCRATES J. SPACE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 2021

  Mr. RYAN.  Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Socrates 
J. Space, who passed away on Monday, April 26, 2021 at the age of 90.
  A child of the Great Depression, Soc was born on September 4, 1930, 
in Dover, Ohio. His parents, Zacharias ``Jack'' and Despina (Pardos) 
Space immigrated to America in the early 20th century from the magical 
Greek island of Ikaria. While growing up in poverty, Soc was blessed 
with a loving and close-knit family that endured and overcame hardships 
common to immigrant families during this period.
  He shined shoes and set up bowling pins to help put bread on the 
family's table, starting at a very young age. He overcame adversity, 
eventually earning three varsity letters as a 145-pound defensive 
lineman for the Dover Tornadoes football team and was elected by his 
classmates as Senior Class President of the Dover High Class of 1949.
  After graduation, Soc went to work at Reeves Mill, where he became a 
card-carrying member of the United Steel Workers before being drafted 
into the Marine Corps. As a Marine, Soc fought bravely for his country 
during the Korean War. Upon his return, the GI Bill enabled him to 
enlist at The Ohio State University, where he graduated with a degree 
in Political Science. He went on to earn his juris doctorate degree 
from Ohio State before returning to Dover, embarking on a successful 
legal career in Tuscarawas County that would span five decades.
  In addition to his private legal practice, Soc served as Judge of the 
Tuscarawas County Court Southern Division and worked for many years as 
an attorney for the State of Ohio Department of Transportation. He also 
served as Special Counsel to three Ohio Attorney Generals. He developed 
exceptional oratory skills that, combined with his personable nature, 
wooed juries on behalf of his many clients over the years.
  His rich voice and gift for public speaking helped him excel in 
Toastmasters; and served as a foundation for his important work in 
politics. He was very active in the Tuscarawas County Democratic Party, 
serving two separate stints as County Chairman, and he provided 
guidance and support for countless politicians at the local, statewide, 
and national levels. He was a proud delegate at the 1988 Democratic 
Convention for the Presidential campaign of fellow Greek-American, 
Michael Dukakis, Soc's crowning political achievement involved helping 
elect his son, Zack, to Congress in 2006. Soc's charming intellect and 
fierce loyalty won him the adoration of countless friends, clients, 
politicians, and even political and legal adversaries.
  Soc was a multidimensional man of many talents. His artistic flair 
was manifested in beautiful pottery and sculptures, and helped inspire 
his daughter Stephanie's devotion to the arts. His love for politics 
and knack for the law continue with Zack. Upon his retirement from the 
practice of law in 2008, Soc remained active, particularly in politics. 
In 2018, he accompanied Zack on a statewide campaign for Ohio Auditor 
that saw him log over 100,000 miles, visiting counties, cities and 
villages across Ohio, serving a vital role in an exhausting political 
endeavor. Soc, who turned 89 that year, never once tired from the 
demands of that campaign despite suffering from a debilitating medical 
condition.
  He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Space (Tom Johnson); his 
son, former Congressman Zack Space; his special friend and caregiver, 
Erin Noviski; his sister and Matriarch of the Space family, Mary Smith; 
his grandchildren, Gina (Tyler Tompkins) and Nick Space, and Socrates, 
Alex (Kadi) and Leo Incarnato; and his great-granddaughters, Violet 
Incarnato and Stella Tompkins. He is also survived by nieces and 
nephews, Denise Hollister, Zack (Jean) Space, Athena
  (Ron) Hooker, Pat Johnson, Chris (Bobbi) Smith, and Tony (Nancy) 
Smith; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. Also 
surviving are his ``neighborhood son,'' Dave Johns; his former 
daughter-in-law, Judge Mary Space; his former wife, Vicki Space; and 
stepchildren, Wendy Busby, Terri (Eric) Smith, and Shannon Croley; and 
step-grandchildren, Travis (Erika) Smith, Sam Smith, Casey (Joseph) 
Emery, Ben and Bryan Croley; and great step-grandson, Holton Smith.
  Soc is preceded in death by his beloved daughter Gina, with whom he 
has been reunited. Soc was also preceded in death by his parents, his 
brothers Jim, George, and Pete Space, and sisters-in-law Bessie and 
Mary Ann Space, brother-in-law Bill Smith, nephews Jimmy Space, Phil 
Johnson, and Bob Hollister, and his former wife Sandy Space.
  I am proud to have known Socrates as a father to my dear friend, 
former Congressman Zack Space. My deepest condolences go out to Soc's 
entire family and to all whose lives he touched.

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