John Sorg

1938 - 2026

John Phillip Sorg, 87, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at UVA Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his family.

Born on February 5, 1938, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Parley and Sadie Sorg, John grew up in Minnesota and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Minnesota. He married Margaret Maxine Webb in 1962. They shared 63 wonderful years together, raising their family, building homes (literally), and enjoying a life filled with love, laughter, and faith.

John was kind and humble, a devoted husband, father, papa, and best friend. He faced life, and its challenges, with quiet strength and a gentle spirit. Incredibly smart and endlessly capable, he famously believed that almost any problem could be solved with a slide rule. John could do anything from fixing a car, building furniture and growing beautiful gardens to baking delicious homemade rolls, pies, and cookies.

Nothing brought him more joy than his family. He was always available and ready to deliver sound advice or a steady helping hand. He adored his children and grandchildren and was known for making them breakfast while performing the pancake dance, cheering on all their activities from the sidelines and proudly sharing pictures of his great-grandson. He loved life's simple pleasures: a good cup of coffee on the back porch, watching the sunset over the mountains with Maxine (better known as GraGra), and cheering for the Nationals and, of course, the Hoos.

A licensed professional engineer and surveyor, John had a long and rewarding career with the U.S. Public Health Service, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the federal government, and the University of Virginia. During his time at UVA Facilities Management, he worked on many projects, including UVA Medical Center, Scott Stadium, and the John Paul Jones Arena. In his spare time, John built several homes, including their beloved lake house and Charlottesville home.

He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where he generously volunteered his time and talents, and he was previously active in the White Hall Ruritan Club.

John is survived by his wife, Maxine; his children, Johnna Spera (Chris) and Byron Sorg (Jill); his grandchildren Cory (Brooke), Cameron, Carly (Danny), and Sadie; and his great-grandson, Reid. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Harrison, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral service and reception will be held at First Baptist Church, 735 Park Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902, on February 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. To honor John on that day (his birthday)-and to celebrate his love of dessert-apple pie and ice cream will be served, as family and friends celebrate his life. Burial will be private at Monticello Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to UVA Cancer Center. Please direct memorial gifts via check to UVA Cancer Center, PO Box 37963, Boone, IOWA 50037 with gift designation 14349 noted in the memo line, or online by choosing the UVA Cancer Center: https://www.givecampus.com/ezeuxi.