WILLIAM L. SOBONYA, JR., age 71, passed away on January 4, 2023 after a long battle with small cell lung cancer. Beloved husband of Pamela (nee Matovich); loving father of Billy (Chrissy), Stephanie Czech (Jason), and Natalie McAllister (Matthew); dear papa of Anthony, Carmen, Nico Czech, Sophia Czech, Mia Czech, Matteo McAllister, Cameron McAllister, Aidan McAllister, and Alessio McAllister; brother of Tim (Michelle) and Scott; nephew of Tony Ferritto; son of the late Jeanette C. Sobonya (nee Ferritto).
After attending Warrensville High School, Bill served a 4-year apprenticeship at Max S. Hayes Vocational School for Painting & Decorating. This served as a foundation for his entire career in the trades as a Painter and Paper Hanger.
He was certified in Labor Relations at Cleveland State University, was a Union Steward, and also served as President of Local 473 District Council 6, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, AFL-CIO.
After a successful 40-year career, he retired and focused even more of his time and attention on his passions, including family, gardening, wine making, cooking, traveling, softball, bowling, golf, bocce ball and numerous volunteering, most notably as a Disaster Relief Services Volunteer at the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross.
When he wasn’t maintaining a meticulous lawn, you would find him in the stands cheering on his 9 grandchildren at various sporting events. Bill was always an integral and active part of his grandchildren’s lives. He prided himself on teaching his grandchildren the proper way to shoot pool, fish, play cards and even wash a car and take care of the yard, while not losing an opportunity to teach them the lessons of life. Those lessons didn’t stop with the grandchildren. He never shied away from a chance to extend a life experience into a teaching moment with his three adult children  too. Bill was intentional with his love and expressed it with his own unique style – precise, witty and direct, wrapped in kindness and concern.
Bill was proud of his Italian Heritage and joined the Solon Italian Club where he immortalized his name as part of the Badda Bocce Team by winning the 2021 Bocce Championship. He reignited his love for baseball by joining the Babes of 1916 All Ohio Men’s Senior Softball League where he immediately made an impact. He brought the baseball skills he built in his youth and proudly showed that off to his wife, 3 children and 9 grandchildren at the annual All-Star Game. Bill also pulled his wife Pam into the fun as part of the organization’s bowling league.
Bill lived life to the fullest. He and his beloved wife of 50 years traveled the world. Exploring Italy, ziplining in Costa Rica, snorkeling in the Caribbean and biking the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Tow Path were just a few of their many adventures.
Bill would never let a milestone go by without celebrating. As the foundation of the Sobonya family you would often find him organizing family gatherings to ensure everyone stayed close.  From annual summer picnics, to birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, holidays and everything in between, everyone felt recognized, appreciated and seen by Bill.
Bill was resilient. He did everything in his power to stay strong for his family, remaining kind and always generous with his words and actions. He led by example and by doing so, created a legacy that will live on through his family and friends.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 WEST AURORA ROAD (OH RT 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2023 FROM 4-8 P.M. Funeral Saturday, January 13, 2023 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 13623 Rockside Road, Garfield Heights. Interment All Saints Cemetery, 480 W Highland Road, Northfield. Memorial contributions are suggested in Bill’s name to the Babes of 1916 All Ohio Men’s Senior Softball League (www.babesof1916.com) or the Solon Italian Club (www.solonitalianclub.org).
