William Sotak

William Michael Sotak was born on October 8, 1947 to Rita Evans and Michael Sotak in Pittsburgh, PA. Bill always recalled spending time with his cousins as a child and going to watch Pirates games at Forbes Field with a group called the Knothole Gang, which turned into a family joke. He continued to be a lifelong Pittsburgh sports fan. He graduated from Canevin High School in Pittsburgh and the University of Dayton. After college he moved to Chicago, where he met Pat.

Bill had a 38 year career with the federal government, including the Social Security Administration and Defense Logistics Agency in Chicago and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid in Baltimore. He was a member of the Toastmasters Club, in addition to training new hires. He retired in 2008 and enjoyed his retirement to the fullest, including traveling to Europe several times, and moving back to the Chicago area in 2015. Bill was a very talented photographer and in the last several years took classes with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute of Northwestern University. He always enjoyed cars, driving, and watching car races, particularly Formula One racing.

He is survived by his wife of over forty years Patricia Schade Sotak, whom he met at work and famously gave a concussion to during a flag football game, and his daughters Robyn Sotak, Michelle Sotak, and Jennifer Sotak. He was immensely proud of his daughters and all of their accomplishments. Everyone knows that he loved the family labradoodles, Crissy and Kermie, as shown by all the photos he shared of them.

Bill's wish was to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Bill's name to pancan.org or Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Northwestern University.