Socka Suppiah

Obituary

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us – Helen Keller


We stand here today with heavy hearts, yet also with immense gratitude for the time we shared with Socka Suppiah. It is difficult to put into words the depth of this loss of a great person, a friend, a partner, and a mentor.

Socka’s journey began in Malaysia, where his entrepreneurial spirit took root at an early age. From selling crabs at the market as a six-year-old to co-founding multiple successful startups, his drive and determination were evident throughout his life. His leadership at Saggezza as COO for 16 years, along with his recognition as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist twice, speaks volumes of his dedication and vision.

He invested in relationships, understanding that success is built on trust, mentorship, and kindness. It was remarkable to see how former colleagues, employees, or peers would light upon seeing him, eager to reminisce about their time together. He had an incredible ability to make people feel seen, valued, and heard.

But beyond his professional accomplishments, Socka was a man of deep generosity and compassion. He believed in the power of education and the importance of giving back, establishing scholarship funds and serving on the boards of global charities. His impact reached far beyond business. He uplifted lives, built opportunities, and inspired those around him. No matter where he was in the world, he always made time for his loved ones. His presence was unwavering, his encouragement constant.

Socka, thank you for your selflessness. Your calm and steady presence in the face of challenges, your wisdom in teaching us to trust our instincts, and your collaborative approach to problem-solving have left a lasting impact on our lives.

Though you left us too soon, your spirit remains, and your kindness, generosity, and leadership will continue to inspire us.

Rest well, Socka. You will always be remembered.

Gallery

Memory wall

April 2, 2025

Uma and I have deeply cherished memories with Socka and his lovely family. These memories began when our paths crossed in Nashville, where he came to drop off Sivu to start her college education at Vanderbilt University. Since that time, we have felt the warmth of his hospitality and generosity each time we visited Chicago or he visited Nashville. He always gave his time and talents, engaging in many meaningful conversations about work, the future, and our mutual love for dogs. His fun-loving nature often brought small groups together for a good time. What resonates with us most is his love for his family, his grounded spirit, and his desire to help the next generation with the talents he longed to share.

He was a true friend to us, and we loved his presence. We will miss him dearly. His absence is like the sky, spreading over everything. When we do take that hiking trip to the Camino de Santiago that we spoke about many times, we will look up and tip our hats to Socka, who will always be in our hearts.

With our deepest love and condolences,

Pal, Uma & Neil Narayanan

Pal Narayanan

April 1, 2025

Socka Uncle had a way of making everyone feel at home. Whenever I visited Hinsdale, he welcomed me with warmth and kindness, always taking the time to connect any of Anu and Sivu’s friends.

He had a gift for making people feel special, from the nicknames he gave us to the genuine effort he put into staying involved in our lives. His presence brought people together, and his kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Uncle will be deeply missed, but his legacy of warmth, generosity, and community will live on. I feel truly grateful to have known him and to have shared so many wonderful memories with him.

Akila Nallappan