William (Bill) L. Sorvelli, 83, of Warren, PA, died unexpectedly on Tuesday January 6, 2026, in Warren General Hospital.
He was born in Warren, PA, on February 1, 1942, the son of the late John M. and Vera Mae Chamberlain Sorvelli. Bill was a graduate of Warren Area High School, Class of 1959. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Forrestal CVA 59 for 2 years, and on the USS Enterprise CVA (N) 65 for 1 year. He was honorably discharged as a Machinist Mate 2nd Class.
Bill worked with Sylvania as a tool maker for over 40 years. William spent 50 years practicing in martial arts and was an 9th Degree Black Belt. He was an avid bicycle rider, and would work and build many different bicycles, some even with electric. Bill also had a passion for climbing hills on his bikes.
On March 13, 1971, in Clarendon, PA, he married the former Barbara M. Wonders Sorvelli, and they spent 54 loving years together.
In addition to his loving wife Barb, Bill is survived by his two sons, Daniel M. Sorvelli and wife Sasha, and Matthew G. Sorvelli, all of Russell, PA; two granddaughters, Jade and Ella Sorvelli, and one grandson, Tony Sorvelli; nieces and nephews; as well as two special friends, Dr. Jay Endres, and Jenny Buvoltz who deeply cared for him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, James “Jim” Sorvelli, sisters, Betty Swanson, and Theresa Remmy; and half brothers, John Sorvelli, Gerald Sorvelli, and Richard Weaver.
Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Wounded Warriors Project, support.woundedwarriorproject.org OR a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com… The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc. has been entrusted by the family for the final funeral arrangements.
Spent many years working with Bill at GTE/Sylvania/Osram and enjoyed taking break with him. Bill was always lighthearted, helpful, funny and just plain fun to be around. After retirement we sometimes e-mailed and sometimes ran into each other at Walmart or Jamestown. I wish we would’ve run into each other more!
My condolences Goes out to the family, whether it was karate, motorcycles or bicycling you could always count on a good story to make you laugh. Thank you for all your guidance in cycling over the years, you will be sadly missed.PS, love those hills.
Barb and family,
Dave and I are truly crushed by Bill’s passing. He was a very dear friend, especially to Dave. He also was the best pool boy ever!! He will be sadly missed . So many fond memoires , and what a legend he was on his bicycle. Rest in peace, Bill. Until we meet again ..love- Dave and trina
We are so sad to hear of Bills passing. Bill was an inspiration to all of us who had the pleasure of to climb a hill with Bill. Tuesday and Thursday rides were always a surprise
and always made us better as a group than we were as individuals. To Barb and the family
we offer our condolences . And to Bill: RIDE ON!
I hung out with Bill in the early 60s when I learned what “caliente” means. We touched bases now and then over the years since. Bill defined the term, “Good Guy”. There was a comfort in calling him friend.
Our prayers go out the family. Bill was a great guy to the kids. He taught all three how to put the bike chains back on. Bill and the whole family were great neighbors to Dori, the kids and me. May he rest in peace.
Dear Barb and family….I was so very saddened when I learned of Bill’s passing…..I pray all your memories will sustain you as you mourn this deep loss…….condolences from your old friend….Ki
Barb and family, I just found out that Bill has passed away! I am so sorry for your loss! Bill was a wonderful guy that I worked a fiew years with at Sylvania and also we raced motocross together for many years. I will miss him!