Willem H. Thorbecke

1924 - 07

Willem H. "Bill" Thorbecke, 81, of Sewickley, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, after a long illness. He was known to many as the founder of W.H. Thorbecke Associates. Established in 1980, it was designed to help companies and entrepreneurs streamline their operations, expand their sales and increase their profits. Some of the clients went on to attain Fortune 500 status. In 1982, Mr. Thorbecke co-founded Energy Support Services Inc. (ESSI). During his tenure with ESSI, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 1987. Prior to ESSI he served as a senior executive of Royal Dutch Shell, Mobil Chemical and the Dravo Corp. He also served as a director of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, a member of the American Management Association's International Management Division Council and the National Association of Corporate Directors. He was chairman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Enterprise Forum from 1987-88 and again from 1993-94. Mr. Thorbecke lived all over the world and the United States before settling in Sewickley in 1976. Born in Paris, France, on July 4, 1924, the son of Dutch diplomat W.J.R. Thorbecke, he spent many years in Holland, China and South Africa. During World War II, he enlisted in the Dutch army on his 18th birthday and became a flying officer operating the Lancaster Bomber for the Dutch RAF. He and his crew successfully completed 30 missions. For his efforts, he was awarded both the Distinguished Flying Cross medal and the Vliegers Kruis medal. In 1948, he graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with degrees in engineering and business administration. He leaves his beloved wife of 59 years, Sonya Thorbecke; children: Noel, of Boston, Bill, of Seattle, and Chris, of Houston, and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his eldest son, Johan, of Sewickley. A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday in St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Achieva, 711 Bingham St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203. Arrangements by SIMONS FUNERAL HOME INC., Ross, 412-367-3100.