William Philip Lorenzi

On Wednesday, March 27, William Philip Lorenzi passed away at home at the age of 78 years old, in Jacksonville, Florida.  Born in Chicago, IL, to John and Dorothy Lorenzi (deceased), Bill was the loving husband of Virginia (deceased), a cherished father of his daughter Lorrie Kenseth (Roy), sons William and Anthony “Tony” Lorenzi, and a beloved brother to his sister Carole Gebbia (fiancé, Larry), and brother John Lorenzi (Kathy). Bill had a special relationship with his niece, Andrea Gebbia-Fietko (Jeff), and nephew, Shawn Gebbia, and is survived by several other nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dear friends. 

Bill was an avid athlete. He was Allstate in both football and wrestling in High School and was shortly after drafted by the Boston Red Sox Farm Team. He then worked at the Ford Plant in Chicago Heights, IL, prior to joining the Marines. 

A proud veteran of the US Marine Corps, after having completing reconnaissance school, Bill served in radio communications for the  Delta Forces Company 1st Battalion 6 th Marines Bravo Co in Da Nang and Que Son Valley, Vietnam.  He was awarded the rank of Sergeant by the Secretary of the Navy. After four years of service followed by an honorable discharge, Bill moved to Cleveland, OH, where he worked for Central States Trucking Company as an “over the road” truck driver and earned the “Million Mile Driver” award for several years.  He then moved to Baltimore, MD, where he met and married his wife, Virginia. Upon retirement, Bill and Virginia relocated to Stillwater, OK, where they lived out their golden years together. 

Funeral arrangements will be private, and Bill will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, FL on May 7, 2024. Anyone that honestly knew Bill knew that he was a consummate gentleman, lifelong patriot and a “man amongst men”. He will be missed by so many and especially his lifelong buddy, Reid Hollo “Fox”, with whom he served in Vietnam.  Please honor Bill and his family with your prayers at this time. If you care to donate, please consider the Wounded Warrier Project for donations to all veterans, including the United States Marine Corps.

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