Bill Sovik
Obituary
William S. Sovik ("Bill") ended his journey on earth to begin life in Heaven on April 22, 2021 at his home in DeWitt, NY, at the age of 74. Bill was in love with God, life, family, and his Holy Cross Church community and leaves behind a legacy of service to all he loved. We will remember his open arms, warm and generous smile, kind heart, infectious energy, sense of humor, easy ready laugh, and of course his cookies and bow ties. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him.
Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sue, in 1966 and over the past 54 years saw their family grow to 3 sons (Charlie, Steve, Denis) and daughters-in-law (Lisa, Jen, Chrissie) and 9 grandchildren (Ben, Dan, Tim; Matthew, Andrew; Anna, Will, Jack, Cate). A devoted father and grandfather, Bill never missed an opportunity to watch his children or grandchildren in whatever sport or activity they found interesting. Bill and Sue's enduring love modeled a great marriage for their kids and grandkids.
Born as the youngest child of Laurence "Larry" and Gladys Sovik, he is predeceased by his parents and older brother Laurence (Fritz) Sovik and survived by sisters, Alicia Socia, Ann Weeks, and Janet Sovik (and many beloved nieces and nephews).
Bill graduated from Christian Brothers Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Syracuse University. He began his career selling life insurance with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, going on to earn his CLU designation and Series 7 license to expand his offerings to health insurance and investment vehicles. He loved helping clients set and reach their goals and had been working in that capacity for many happy years with both Hazard and Siegel, and Alex S. Joseph and Associates.
As an active member of Holy Cross Church for many years ("second family"), Bill was involved in Faith Formation, annual goals seminar, "Gardening Angels", adult men's group, sandwich ministry, and always helping out wherever he was needed. Bill and Sue were honored to be named recipients of the 2019 Immaculata Award for Service.
Skiing, dancing, dogs, travel, SU sports, and fishing provided Bill with a fun and active lifestyle with family and friends. A true gourmet, he was known to spend hours in the kitchen with his well-worn apron on, happily making delicious creations that he was more eager to share than to eat. Never taking a shortcut, he lovingly made everything from scratch, taking time and care with each step in the process. The way Bill cooked is the way Bill lived.
He had tremendous faith in God and humanity. Known to say "Who's better than people" we can all carry forth in Bill's memory by smiling and performing humble acts of service with deep appreciation for being in community with one another.
Although he left us unexpectedly and too soon, the many seeds of love Bill planted are still in bloom.
Calling hours will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee Street, DeWitt. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Cross Church at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 2. Bow ties to honor Bill's style are welcome. Private burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Church. Arrangements are with Fairchild & Meech DeWitt Chapel.