Obituary of Angelo Sorbello

Angelo Sorbello was born in 1923 at home on Oakman Street in Rochester NY, the 10^th of 11 Sorbello children born to Sicilian immigrants Leonardo and Carmella Sorbello. He died on March 8, 2025, at the age of 101 ½.

He is predeceased by his wife, Grace (Pennise) Sorbello, and his 10 siblings. He is survived by his daughter, Camy, son Len (Carol), son John, son Paul (Dorothy) and his grandchildren Adam, Francesca, Michael, and Maria.

In 1927 the family of 13 moved to 73 Rauber Street which would be the Sorbello home for decades to come. Ange had clear memories of riding in the back of the moving truck with the furniture and playing with the old time Victrola during the ride.

He attended Rochester Public Schools and graduated from Edison Tech. He spent many happy summer days at Baden Street Settlement House where he learned to swim.   He sang “Santa Lucia” in Italian in the same Baden Street talent show where William Warfield sang “Old Man River.” Years later they reconnected at a book signing in Rochester and reminisced about their youth.

After graduation, Ange worked for Bausch and Lomb doing defense work for the World War II effort. But he chose after a year to ask for a release from his deferment so he could volunteer for the Army. He was sworn in on November 11^th, Armistice Day, at 11 am 1943. He served in the South Pacific and later installed communication lines in Japan just after the war ended.

In 1948 Ange made the best decision of his life when he married Grace Pennise. They started a family and lived in Rochester and eventually moved to Fairport. After years of Ange working as a machinist, in the early 1970s, he and Grace decided to become real estate agents. Eventually they owned and managed two offices in the Victor area until he retired in the late 1990s.

After his retirement Ange kept busy helping his son Len at Wayside Garden Center and his son John at Sorbello Farms.  He and Grace were finally able to travel and they visited Sicily, their parents’ homeland, as well as Europe, Canada, and much of the US, including Hawaii and Alaska.

But what he enjoyed the most were his family and friends, golfing, playing cards, eating and socializing. People were the most important part of his life right to the end.

At his 100^th birthday party a nephew (one of many) asked him how he got to be 100.  He just shrugged and said, “I didn’t think much about it. I just kept on going and here I am.”

After Grace died, Ange chose to move to the Highlands at Pittsford, where he made many wonderful friends and was able to enjoy life for the ten years he was there. Many thanks to everyone there who made his last decade a lively one, where he was surrounded by camaraderie and kindness.

Calling hours are on Thursday March 13^th from 3- 7pm at Falvo Funeral Home, Webster NY.

Funeral Mass at St. Catherine’s Church in Mendon.  Please join us there at 11 am Friday, March 14^th. Burial follows at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In honor of Ange’s military service, and according to his wishes, in lieu of flowers please consider donations to;

Honor Flight Rochester PO Box 23581 Rochester NY 14692