William J. Sohl, 67,
of Ft. Myers, Fla., formerly of Erie, Pa.,
died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 4, 2010.
He was able to spend his last few days visiting and reminiscing with family and childhood friends, first in Erie and then in Pittsburgh, where he died peacefully in his sleep while resting at his daughter's residence. He was born on December 28, 1942, in Erie, Pa., the son of the late Bernard J. Sohl and Catherine (Sheehan) Sohl. Bill was a graduate of Tech High School and after graduation continued in his father's footsteps as the owner/proprietor of both IGA Supermarket and the Park Variety Store in Lawrence Park, Pa. From there, his entrepreneurial spirit led to his formation of WJS Enterprises, the entity through which he created a chain of small deli-bakery-convenience stores in the Erie and North East, Pa. areas; stores which patrons came to know as either BJ's Grocery or The Upper Crust Bake Shoppe. After retiring in 2004 and moving to Columbus, Ohio with his beloved wife, Helen, to become full-time grandparents, Bill worked for the Target Corporation until June 2009, when they both relocated to Ft. Myers, Fla. A member of the Catholic Church, Bill was also an avid bowler and high school basketball enthusiast, as well as a lifelong Cleveland Browns and Indians sports fanatic. He and his unique style of humor will be missed greatly by his family and everyone who knew him. Survivors include his loving wife of 45 years, Helen J. Sohl of Ft. Myers, Fla.; three daughters, Pamela Sohl and fiance, John Plazek of Pittsburgh, Pa., Lori Sammartino and husband, Mark of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Heidi Torok and husband, Jason of Ft. Myers, Fla.; one sister, Carol Mallozzi and husband, Salvatore of Girard, Pa.; three grandchildren: Zachary Sammartino of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Isabel and Ava Torok of Ft. Myers, Fla.; and three nieces: Kathy (Mallozzi) Hastings of Gainesville, Fla., Barbara Mallozzi of Sewickley, Pa., and Ann (Mallozzi) Fetterman of Pittsburgh, Pa. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Sohl and his nephew, Robert Mallozzi. Friends are invited to call at the John J. Quinn Funeral Home, West 9th & Liberty St., Sunday, August 8th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th St., Erie, PA, on Monday, August 9th at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association , 823 Filmore Ave., Erie, PA 16505 or to the John Kanzius Foundation, 1001 State St., Erie, PA 16501, or the Catholic Charities of Erie, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504.