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Ernest Sorini Obituary
Dr. Ernest J. Sorini (Ernie)
November 2, 1948 - June 5, 2023
Dr. Ernest J. Sorini (Ernie) passed away on June 5, 2023, following a courageous year-and-a-half fight against cancer and its related complications. He was born on November 2, 1948, in Butte, Montana, to Ernest and Martha Sorini.
Ernie enriched the lives of all who knew him because of his compassion, integrity, quick wit, fun-loving nature, love of family, philanthropy, and genuine concern for others. He leaves an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape and community.
Ernie's life was marked by a thirst for knowledge. He graduated from Butte High School in 1966 and then earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Driven to make a difference in the field of medicine, Ernie enrolled in the Medical College of Wisconsin, initially studying neurosurgery. In 1974, he graduated with a medical degree in emergency medicine and was armed with the expertise and compassion that would define his professional legacy. In addition to his medical degree, he earned an MBA from the University of Michigan. He also obtained a JD from the University of Honolulu School of Law. Throughout his career, Ernie held numerous teaching and administrative positions.
Ernie was a practicing ER physician for over 48 years. In 1990, Ernie's multifaceted education, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit led him to found ER-One, a visionary physician-staffing company committed to raising ER healthcare standards. At ER-One, Ernie introduced the first 30-minute guarantee that revolutionized timely and effective care in emergency rooms.
Among his numerous talents, Ernie delighted family and friends with his accordion-playing skills, which brought joy to many occasions. His vibrant singing voice and love for karaoke made him a hit at various gatherings. Additionally, Ernie had a passion for automobiles, enthusiastically acquiring and driving them. He was also an avid reader and studied multiple languages.
Ernie married the love of his life, Kelly Bonek, in 1991 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island where they met.
He is also survived by his beloved children: Christopher, Alexander (fiance Annie), Katherine, Peter, Andrew; Adam and Jonathan (Katy), and their children: Maverick, Clementine, and twins: Sunny and Rose; his sister, Linda (Glen) Granger and their children: Peter and KayDee; and his sister-in-law, Stephanie Sorini and her children: Giavanna, Marietta, and Isabella.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Peter; and sister, Mary.
His wide circle of family and friends were most important to Ernie, and many have fond memories of him in Traverse City, Cavanaugh Lake in Chelsea, and his home in Ann Arbor.
To celebrate Ernie's remarkable life, a gathering will be held on June 25 from 12:00 p.m. noon to 3:00 p.m. at Knight's Steakhouse, 2324 Dexter Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Ernie's memory, please consider a charity of your choice or one that supports causes benefiting women and children.
Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Sorini
Les Solomon MD
December 18, 2024
Ernie and I were dissection partners at Marquette Medical School in 1970. May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him.
Les Solomon MD
December 14, 2023
Sending my condolences to Ernie's family. During freshman year at MC Wisconsin we were on the same anatomy dissection team in 1970. So long ago but the happy memories are etched in stone.
Teresa McGrath
November 23, 2023
I am just now seeing this, I had the immense pleasure of working with Dr Sorini in the ER, what a sweet, caring funny guy, he used to come behind me and watch me work on my PC and always comment how do you do that so fast! I really enjoyed his sense of humor too. He always made me feel so important also, great guy and will be missed! Xo
Tom Lilla
November 16, 2023
I just learned of Ernie´s passing. My condolences to his wife & family. Ernie and I were fellow students at Marquette. He had a small band and often times played at our fraternity parties. He had a signature song that had everyone up and dancing whenever his band started playing it. Thanks for the fun times and great memories Ernie. MU rah rah!
Sunshine
July 12, 2023
Dr. Sorini will always have a special place in my heart. He was kind, caring, compassionate and truly beautiful human being.
I am so sad to hear if his passing.
Diane Campbell
June 29, 2023
God bless the spirit of this wonderful man and physician. A true blessing to all who met him.
Ron Miller
June 26, 2023
While I was unable to attend the celebration of Ernie's life, he was very much on my mind with happy memories of adventures with he family in Ann Arbor, in Arizona and other places. What happiness he brought to so many people. How lucky I was that he considered me his friend. RON
Jim Rogers
June 23, 2023
Ernie was a classmate at Butte Central and best friend throughout high school. I remember being with him, Jim Sever and Jim Mickelson in his dad's car when the transmission went out and he had to drive in reverse from the Mt. Con to his house. You have my sincerest condolences. Jim Rogers, class of 1966
Wendy Jurosek
June 22, 2023
Ernie was such an amazing funny kind man. We are so honored that we knew him. He will be so missed.
Kurt Gabruk
June 22, 2023
It was our freshman year at Marquette University. The tall lean guy from Montana whose room was accross the hall from mine came over and introduced himself. I soon learned this was no ordinary cowboy. While we shared many common interests I was a C student at best and Ernie was well, something else. As I struggled with writing a paper for English calss one evening Ernie came to my room. Taking my pen and paper he returned a finished paper in ten minutes. When I returned from class the following week I said, Ernie we got an A ... Ernie's response ... only an A not an A+ ... I have many fond memeories of our frienship that I will charish forever.
kristi brothers
June 21, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to the Sorini family.
Keith & Helena
June 20, 2023
Kelly - our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Bryan Seidita
June 19, 2023
Rest in peace, sympathy to this fine family!
Jim Sever
June 19, 2023
I owe Ernie a great deal. When he was a resident at the hospital in Salt Lake he took the time to explain the details of my father's cancer.
I was friends with Ernie when he was at Boys Central. I marveled at his skill as an artist and a musician. He was quick to laugh.
I remember the car he got in high school, a 1956 two tone Chevrolet, teal blue and white. He was very proud of that car.
It was a privilege to know him.
Lee Fivenson
June 19, 2023
Kelly and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ernie's passing. It was my honor to be with you when you met Ernie and also when you two got married. Though distance has separated us, I think of you often. My sincere condolences.
Steve McGrath
June 18, 2023
I fondly remember Ernie from high school. I would describe him as "effortless genius". He operated in a dimension few were familiar with. I would often talk about him to his mother in later years. What a markedly accomplished life! But, knowing Ernie, I am not surprised. I hope to encounter him in the next rebirth.
My condolences to the family. The loss must be quite noticeable.
Marlene Bugni Benton
June 18, 2023
Great memories and fun times were shared with the Sorini family when I lived in Meaderville. My uncle Joseph Gaida lived directly across from their family home. Mary and I were good friends and graduated from high school together. My deepest condolences to the family
Gary Collier
June 18, 2023
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you Kelley and your beautiful family. May your many priceless memories help you through this very sad time. May God Bless youGary and Becky Collier
Gard Adams
June 18, 2023
Regretfully we will not be able to attend Ernie´s Celebration of Life. Annette and I send our deepest condolences to Kelly, Ernie´s children and the entire Sorini family. Ernie certainly had a huge impact on our lives.
Paolo Pasquariello
June 16, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting Ernie for the first time as I coached a soccer team in which his son Peter played, the Gators. Ernie rapidly became one of my preferred soccer parents. Ernie was a true gentleman. As I went through the experience of coaching the Gators, he always had kind and supporting words for me and the boys. More than once, after a long day under the heat or rain, with the boys disgruntled or emotional, Ernie´s words were truly motivational. I will miss him.
Cindy Criteser
June 15, 2023
My most cherished memory of Ernie was how he loved and adored children and babies. Whenever he passed one in the ED he would walk over and take the baby from the mother's arm and just his, hug and love on the baby. My second-best memory is hearing my father tell the story of when he pulled up in his Bently at our Torch Lake house. My father could not imagine who this was and was a little intimidated. Ernie explained he worked with me and how I was always talking about our property. He was a gentle giant, and everyone loved and respected him. He will be greatly missed. My prayers for the repose of his soul and my deepest condolences to you, Kelly and to your entire family. Cindy Criteser
Don & Angela
June 15, 2023
Kelly,
Thank you for sharing Ernie with us! He made us laugh and brightened our day every time we were around him. His love for life and his positive attitude were contagious. We miss him dearly but know that his legacy with continue on for generations to come through the beautiful family that you two have built together.
Love you tons,
Don & Angela
Freda
June 14, 2023
Ernie had a very charismatic personality, he was intelligent, funny, he appreciated a good joke and thoughtful conversation. He was famous for his hospital Christmas parties and at the end of the night singing Frank Sinatra " I did it my way" ... and yes he did life his way .. He was well loved by the ER patients he cared for and the staff he worked with.. He touched and blessed so many lives.. Rest my friend
Gods Blessing to the Sorini family ..
Marcia Thrasher
June 14, 2023
Condolences and prayers to Kelly and the rest of family. Dr Sorini sure was a great singer at our ER Christmas parties for Annapolis .He will surely be missed.
Gene Ragland
June 14, 2023
There is too much to say about this remarkable man. He will be missed and remembered.
Kristin Stemmer
June 14, 2023
Ernie was one of my favorite customers. He was funny and easy-going.
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