I took FIRC with Mr. Sorrentino towards the end of his teaching career at MLWGS. He only taught me for 3 months, but I still think about his class today. Whether is was sharks and sponges or his acerbic and witty feedback, he pushed me to be a more critical thinker and and a clearer writer. He helped make the MLWGS culture  and impacted me during a formative period.

Phil and his wife Annette were members of our Italian Giuseppe Verde Lodge in Richmond Virginia for years…. when we lost Annette the chain was broken and now dear Phill… Two charming and lovely Italian Americans.

Rest together in peace at long last dear Phil  & Annette🙏🏻.

Mona Giannasi Banos

Mr. Sorrentino was a wonderful teacher and a terrific human being. All these years later I still remember his AP Government class and the thoughtful discussions he encouraged us to engage in. He made a great and positive impact on my life and—as is clear from the other messages here—so many others. Rest in peace.

I first met Phil at Fort Benning, GA in 1967.  We were both serving in the Army at that time.  We became friends and have been in contact with each other ever since.  While in Georgia, Phil, Tom Soutner and myself frequented many local establishments enjoying our friendship every Saturday night.  Sunday morning after mass, we would go to the same family restaurant where a waitress would be waiting for "her boys" to serve us breakfast. 

After I married Joann, Phil and my wife became friends as well.  
After he later married Annette, we welcomed them both into our home.
We were saddened and surprised by the heartbreaking news of Phil's passing.  Our condolences to Louise and her family, and to Annette's children, Juliette and Jack.

Mr. Sorrentino was one of the best teachers I've had in my life. He helped me learn to take myself seriously and see what I was capable of. I feel very fortunate to have crossed paths with him.

I will always remember Mr. Sorrentino's FIRC social studies class at Maggie Walker. He had a very unique teaching style - he was intense, charismatic, demanding, and kind all at once. He taught and evaluated our work with a high degree of rigor and passion, and he got the best out of his students. Some of his assignments are the most memorable I've had in my education, period. I'm very sad to hear this news, and wish the best for his family.

Dear Louise, Jennifer, and Jim,
I am beyond heartbroken over our loss. Phil and I go back to 1979, when I transferred to Stonewall Jackson Junior High School. We shared a large classroom with a room divider to close off “his side” and “my side.” As anyone who knew him, he could be loud!  The joke was, the louder Phil got, the louder I got!  The students thought that was a riot, and would laugh at both of us!  
Phil was truly one of my dearest and most valued friends since then. We talked on the phone at least twice a month, both when I lived in Mechanicsville and since I have been in Falmouth for 31 years. We talked books, politics, what was happening in our lives, sports (especially baseball), and what was happening in our professional lives, especially once he was at the Governors School and I was at the college. 
When he lost Annette, I tried my best to check in and touch base more frequently. I know he missed her terribly. He would always text me the next day after a phone conversation to thank me.  I told him each time, “You have NO idea how much I love our conversations because I always LEARN new things from you every time we talk!”  He leaves a huge void in my life like no one else I know. I will miss him terribly, miss our talks, miss his knowledge base, and miss you all as well!  
My thoughts and prayers daily are with you as you journey on without him. I am totally devastated by his loss, and I can only image what a huge hole in your heart he leaves. 
Love and big hugs,
Nancy Noel

I worked with Phil at Stonewall Jackson Junior High in Mechanicsville before his time at the Governor's School.  He was always smart and caring.  He demanded that his students have respect for learning and for the library.  He insisted that the library was like a church or a temple, and your behavior in the library should epitomize that respect.  
Go with God,  Phil.  You have left your positive mark on so many.

A We the People legend!!! He leaves a legacy of so many constitutional scholars.

Mr. Sorrentino was one of the most influential teachers and coaches in my life. He was brilliant and full of tough love, the kind that pushes you to be great and fearless in the face of adversity. 

2007 the week before the We the People state tournament, he absolutely tore into our entire team for being unprepared. That talk absolutely motivated us to win states, no doubt. 

Just one hell of a human being. Thank you for all you gave to us.

I remember when he first started teaching at Governor’s School and everyone was a little confused by his ‘NY’ demeanor. But he definitely put in his all and taught us a lot during the first ‘We the People’ competition. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher.

Mr. Sorrentino is undoubtedly on the “Mount Rushmore of Teachers” for countless Governor’s School students he taught. He could quote arcane Supreme Court decisions and give you a full analysis of Federalist 10 on the spot. He carried the Constitution in his pocket and had it at the ready when needed. He inspired us in our youth as our mentor for “We The People” and he helped to shape our understanding of the rights and civic responsibilities we all share. He was tough—but always fair and kind. We loved being in his class and we loved him. To his family—my condolences for your loss, and thank you for sharing him with us.

Mr. Sorrentino was one of the best teachers I ever had. I still think about ‘We the People’ and the lessons I learned from him on a regular basis. He had an immeasurable impact across generations of students.

OBITUARIO

Phillip Andrew Sorrentino

27 diciembre, 1946 – 13 noviembre, 2025

Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory - Reid Chapel

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