Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
2001 Columbus Ave
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-625-8816
Website: http://www.toftfh.com
View All Obituaries from Toft Funeral Home and Crematory
William "Bill" Henry Gorga, 90, of Warren, Ohio, passed away on Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2015 in Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, Ohio after a long illness.
He was born on November 10, 1924 in Warren to the late William A. Gorga and Jennie Rantilla (Gorga) (Crutcher).
Bill spent much of his youth in Youngstown, Ohio where he sold newspapers, delivered his mother's baked goods during the depression, and drove a number of trucks. He later worked as a mail boy for the War Dept. at the Ravenna arsenal before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1943. Bill was a gunner during World War II and was promoted to Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1946.
He graduated in 1950 from Youngstown College (now Youngstown State University) with a degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Wean Engineering, Carlson Electric, and Mallory Sharon before starting as a construction engineer at Republic Steel in 1960. He soon became a project engineer at Republic Steel in Warren and was later Chief Engineer of the Cleveland District until he retired in 1982.
Bill was a very active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, serving as church council president and teaching adult Sunday School, as well as actively supporting Camp Luther in Conneaut, Ohio. He was a featured interviewee in the 2013 PBS documentary "Portraits for the Home Front: The Story of Elizabeth Black." The ever hardworking Bill also enjoyed bowling, golfing, annual fishing trips to Ontario, Canada, and traveling with his family. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, June (Tueche) Gorga; children, William "Bill" Robert (Barbara) Gorga, of Columbus, Ohio and Nancy Jean (Dale) Osbun, of Sandusky, Ohio; beloved grandchildren, Amy Gorga, Danielle Osbun, and Brian Osbun; brothers-in-law, Charles Miller and Lawrence Crawford; cousin, Joy Doersam; sister-in-law, Jennie Miller; nephews, Greg and Scott Miller; "niece," Patricia Sipusic; and numerous in-laws, extended family members, and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Gorga Miller.
Friends may call on Thursday, June 25, 2015 from 9:30 A.M. until time of funeral services at 11 A.M. at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 572 Parkman Rd. SW, Warren, Ohio. Burial with military honors will follow in Champion Township Cemetery. Reception to follow at the home of Ron and Patty Sipusic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's name to Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio (LOMO), Camp Luther, 863 Eastwind Dr., Westerville, OH 43081.
Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.
Condolences and gifts of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting toftfh.com.
