Obituary of George J. Sorella

George J. Sorella, 91, was called home to eternal life on Saturday, June 6, 2009 following a long illness. Born on May 31, 1918 in Schenectady he was the son of the late Bartholomeo and Anna Gregario Sorella. A lifelong area resident, George was a graduate of Draper High School in Schenectady. A WWII veteran, he enlisted with the United States Army in 1942 and served honorably until his discharge in December of 1945. He began a career with General Electric as a machinist that spanned nearly 40 years until his retirement in 1980. An avid bowler, he bowled five 300 games and was inducted into the Joe Vitalo Hall of Fame in 1979. He spent many days on the golf course with his wife and best friend Betty. George also was a member of the Johnstown Moose Lodge where he and Betty were recently crowned Queen and King of the Ball. He greatly enjoyed watching all sports, especially his favorite baseball team the Yankees. George also enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren play soccer and baseball. His calm demeanor and kind heartedness will be missed by all who knew and loved him so dearly. Survivors include his beloved wife of 22 years Betty Firth Sorella; his beloved daughter Diane Ornston of Clifton Park and stepsons Kevin Claudia Drobish of Sebastian, FL, Mark and William Drobish of Amsterdam; his grandchildren, Lisa Rob Wilkie, Dean April DeMeo, Jason, Jennifer, Zachary, Shawn Angie, Jeremy, Kevin, Garett, Justin and Markie Drobish; his sister, Margaret Campochiaro of Schenectady and Brother-In-Law William Lynn Firth of Clearwater, FL; 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeaceased by his brothers Joseph and Fred Sorella and his sisters, Mary Dariano, Marie DeLorey, Helen Tricozzi and Teresa Magnanti. Prayer Services will be conducted on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 10 o'clock at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 o'clock at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam with the Rev. John Medwid as celebrant. Interment will follow St. Mary's Cemetery, Fort Johnson with full military honors. Relatives and friends are invited and may call from 4 until 7 Tuesday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary's Church or to the charity of choice.