William R. Sonnett, Jr.

William Richard Sonnett Jr., known to all as Bill, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the age of 78. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, and proud grandfather, Bill had been a resident of Chesterfield, Missouri since 1987.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of William Richard Sonnett Sr. and Gizella Ann Sonnett. He attended Canevin High School and continued his education at Robert Morris College, earning an Associate in Science in 1971. He attended Western Connecticut State College, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree of Business Administration in 1977. He furthered his post-graduate studies at The Wharton School of Business in Strategic Management. Bill continued to dedicate 45 years to a distinguished career in telecommunications, where he was known for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence in his field.

Beyond his professional life, Bill had a deep passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Terrible Towels and Steelers merchandise decorated anywhere he would watch the Steelers play, telling tales of "The Steel Curtain" and "The Immaculate Reception." The only rival to his passion for the Pittsburgh Steelers were corvettes and oldies music; sharing his love for both by DJing at Corvette club events and sharing his playlists: The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Beach Boys, Smokey Robinson, and all the Motown classics. Bill had even mentioned on several occasions that he wished for his ashes to be scattered at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Bill's greatest joys were his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia; his children, Kristine and William; and his grandchildren, Chase, Reese, and Max, who brought immense happiness to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Kapinski, his niece and nephew, Janet Whipkey and James Kapinski, his great-niece Sarah Whipkey, and his great-nephew, William Kapinski. Beyond his immediate family, Bill will be lovingly remembered by his broad network of family and friends, including his wife’s side of the family, The Meyers Family, and his good friend Dan Skinner.

A celebration of life will be held in Pittsburgh on a date yet to be determined. In the interim, Bill's family and friends would sincerely appreciate any words and comments left below in the guestbook.

Bill's legacy of kindness, generosity, humor, and dedication to his loved ones will be forever cherished.