Cherished husband and loving father, grandfather an great-grandfather William Albert Sobieraj (Bill), 80, of Marion quietly returned to his creator on January 19, 2021.

Born in Buffalo, NY on April 6, 1940, son of the late Jacob M. and Frances (Konior) Sobieraj, he was raised in Utica, NY graduating from St Francis De Sales High School, spent one year in the seminary before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force working as a refueler in Germany, where he developed his love of all things kraut, sausages, and beer.

But it was in the piano bar at the Hotel Utica where he met the love of his life, Elizabeth Z (Ziemba) Sobieraj (Bette) and began what would become a 56.5 year marriage of love, patience, understanding and family.

Bill and Bette raised 6 children in Macedon, NY before moving to Marion in 1999. As a devoted father, he never missed a concert, game or school function. He took his kids “antics” in stride, rarely getting mad and always boasting of their accomplishments to whomever he could.

In his youth he enjoyed fishing, waterskiing and playing cards with his dad and brother; whereas in his later years he loved to take his kids and grandkids sledding, fishing, quahogging, and crabbing. In his private time, he loved to tend to his vegetable garden or take in a good book – preferring historical fiction with a military theme – but would read anything recommended by one of his kids.

Bill’s favorite pastime was spending time with his devoted wife, Bette. Be it shopping, going to a casino, decorating for an upcoming holiday, playing elf all night wrapping Christmas presents, or sitting next to her while watching Law & Order, as long as she was by his side, he was happy. Bette’s love for cooking was only outshined by Bill’s love for her food. He was happiest when he was able to hold her in his arms while dancing. His love was palpable whenever their wedding song played. He would softly sing Moon River to her, losing himself in her.

Bill was a proud Polack with a quick wit and sharp tongue. He could easily talk to any stranger but loved to listen to his grandchildren tell him of their day. He could grill a steak better than anyone. Every morning he sat at the dining room table eating his fruit filled oatmeal while watching the birds at the feeder, always pointing out the cardinals. He loved dogs – Tippy, Charlie, and Kelcey were waiting for him at the pearly gates. His favorite colors were yellow and green, his favorite flower the gladiolus and his favorite holiday Thanksgiving – because it was about family. Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Butch will be dearly missed.

Bill was formerly employed by Davenport Machine & Tool as a machinist, keeping the machines moving by hand-crafting parts when they wore out and broke.

Bill was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Francis E. Grogan Council in Wareham and a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Church of Wareham. He previously worshipped at St Patrick’s Church in Macedon, NY, calling the now deceased Fr. McFarland close friend and confidant.

He is survived by his beloved wife Bette; a son, William (Billy) A. Sobieraj, Jr. and his wife Andrea of Easton, MA; 5 daughters: Dorene (Reenie) Murphy and her husband Joe of Victor, NY; Karen (Bootsie) Gutta and her husband Chuck of Albany, NY; Cheryl (Charlie) Wadhwa and her husband Sunil of Newtown, CT; Christine (Crissy or “G”) Legault and her husband Kevin of Marion, MA: and Lisabeth (Shorty) Good and her husband Ken of Melbourne, FL; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 2 sisters: Bonnie Hughes of Millsboro, DE and Susan Kolzinski of Clinton, NY. He was the brother of the late John Sobieraj.

His visiting hours will be held Jan. 29, 2021 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Mattapoisett. Or, in Bill’s way, you can meet us with a cooler and pop open a cold one in his honor. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick's Church in Wareham. Capacity at church will be 90 in attendance. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

Please be advised that due to the covid pandemic, there are strict guidelines that must be adhered to for the safety of everyone. You MUST wear a mask to be allowed entry to the services. Please practice social distancing and avoid any close contact. Guests will be permitted to pay their respects and depart to allow the next guests to enter the funeral home. Capacity at the funeral home will be limited so there could be wait times outside the funeral home. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.