William R. Worobec of Williamsport, Pa., devoted conservationist, public servant, master craftsman, avid skier, and loving family man, passed away surrounded by family on May 18, 2026. Bill was born on Oct 13, 1947, son of Dr. Russell N. and Elsie P. Worobec.
He was a graduate of Mercersburg Academy, after which he attended Bucknell University and then graduated from Lycoming College. He completed his graduate studies at the Wharton School.
Bill’s personal passions reflected his love of the outdoors, adventure, craftsmanship, and family. He shared countless hours skiing and fly fishing with his daughters, Eve, Erika, and Rebecca, always delighting in watching them learn, explore, and grow.
A lifelong skier, he served the National Ski Patrol as part of the Ski Sawmill Ski Patrol in the Western Appalachian Region for 35 years. He served many years as Day Leader and assistant Patrol Director, then as Patrol Director for four years, guiding the patrol skillfully through a difficult period of bankruptcy of the ski area, and management by a bank. He taught his children to ski, and spent more than 50 years enjoying the slopes, particularly in Aspen, where the family shared a home.
He was also an avid upland bird hunter, gifted dog trainer, and master craftsman who created early American-style furniture entirely by hand using traditional tools and methods reminiscent of colonial artisans.
Bill served as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, helping to oversee the stewardship of the states fisheries, boating programs, and aquatic habitat and helping guide statewide conservation policy and environmental initiatives.
A passionate advocate for science-based resource management, Bill worked tirelessly to protect and restore Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers. He was particularly dedicated to habitat restoration and responsible environmental stewardship, often emphasizing the importance of safeguarding waterways affected by development and gas drilling. He believed deeply that healthy ecosystems and strong communities go hand in hand.
Bill belonged to many conservation focused organizations including Trout Unlimited, Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy, and the Dunwoody Big Bear Fish and Game Club. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping secure more than one million dollars in grants and donations to restore Big Bear Creek, preserving the stream for future generations of anglers and wildlife alike. Trout Unlimited honored him with the title of Director Emeritus.
In addition to his environmental work, he founded a local gardening and food distribution initiative that helped feed hundreds of local families.
Professionally, Bill spent more than fifty years as an investment advisor. He began his career with the New York-based firm Kidder, Peabody & Co. and concluded it with Wells Fargo.
A longtime resident of Williamsport, his legacy lives on through his family and the countless individuals he inspired through his leadership, generosity, and example. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; his children, Eve Lapine, Erika Worobec, and Rebecca Worobec-Gaucin; and his cherished grandchildren, Mason, Olivia, and Garret (Eve), Nash (Erika), and Scout (Rebecca), who brought him endless joy
He will be remembered for his integrity, adventurous spirit, thoughtful leadership, unwavering commitment to conservation, extraordinary craftsmanship, and the love, pride, and support he poured into his family, his community, and the natural world.
