William SOVEL

SOVEL, William January 29, 1924 - August 12, 2015 It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of William Sovel on August 12, 2015, at the age of 91. Bill prided himself on being one of the oldest Petalumans and enjoyed the honor and respect that came with that accomplishment. He was born in Petaluma, January 29, 1924, at the old Petaluma General Hospital, the first child of Ben and Gussie Sovel. Bill had one brother, Charles Herbert Sovel. Bill attended Petaluma schools where he excelled in academics, was a leader in student government and a sports champion. He received the Outstanding State Future Farmers award as well as Outstanding PHS Senior FFA award. As a high school senior he was recognized as the 1st place speaker by the State FFA for his speech entitled: The Importance of the Poultry Industry to Sonoma County. His local agricultural roots ran deep throughout his life. In 1942, Bill was attending Cal Poly but enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II as a cryptographer in the signal corps. In 1945, he took part in the landing in Okinawa. Bill returned home in 1946, married his sweetheart, Rae Alma Ross, and enrolled at Oregon State College. In 1948, he received his BA in Poultry Husbandry. Bill returned home to Petaluma, joining with his family in what would become Ben Sovel & Sons - Poultry Dealers. In 1949, Bill and Rae purchased a ranch in Penngrove, across the street from close friends, Sol and Rose Fishman. In 1962, as the local poultry industry declined, Bill, with the support of his wife, continued his education at Sonoma State College, earning an additional BA and teaching credentials in Political Science, his MA from San Francisco State and administrative credentials from UC Davis. Bill taught in Rohnert Park and at Rancho Cotate before assuming the role of Coordinator for Work Experience programs in both Marin and San Mateo counties. In 1972, Bill and Rae left Petaluma to pursue his career in education but returned soon after his retirement in 1992. Bill was always active in his community, serving as president of the Active 20-30 Club and Toastmasters. He was a lifelong member of the Masons, the Elks, the Petaluma Rotary, and SIRS. He was a member of the first Board of Directors for the Petaluma Boys Club. In 2004-5, he served on the Sonoma County Grand Jury. The Petaluma Jewish community was always a priority in the Sovel family. As a young man, Bill was active in AZA and served as President of the Oregon State Hillel organization. Bill and Rae continued his family's long time involvement with Congregation B'nai Israel in 1948, where he has always been an active congregation member, as well as member of the Men's Club. Bill has been married to his wife, Rae, for 69 years and is survived by their two children, Barry (Carol Newman) Sovel and Terry (Nathan) Piotrkowski. Bill was most proud to be the grandfather of Lisa (Stephen) Thomas, Jaime (Jon) Shoemaker, Shaina Sovel, and Ann (Mark) Hurd, as well as great-grandfather to Cameryn, Alyson, Erin, Stephen (Phinn), Mackenzie, Cassie, Tessa, Alex and Austin. He is also survived by his nephew, Stephen (Judy) Sovel, and their families, as well as Mark Horn and numerous cousins. Bill's happiest days were spent in Petaluma surrounded by his family and his history. He watched as the little town of Petaluma evolved from a small farming community to a thriving family-oriented small city, all the while maintaining the warm hometown feel that he loved so much. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Service, Friday (today), August 14, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma. In lieu of flowers, please make your donations in the name of William Sovel to B'nai Israel Jewish Center, 740 Western Ave., Petaluma, CA 94952. Interment: B'nai Israel Cemetery, Petaluma.