Obituary of Dr. William "Bill" Lamar Sanni

William Lamar Sanni better known as “Bill” more affectionately loved as “Doc” passed away peacefully in Hilton Head, South Carolina on Sunday October 22, 2023.  He was 79 years young.

To those that knew Doc, he was a sweet and gentle man. He was grace, patience and kindness… he was family and he was love. Bill loved his Lord, his wife Jeanne, his children Paige and Chris and their families.  He was the loving husband of Jeanne Volp Sanni for 55 years, always at her side, entertaining, including and helping others. He is survived by his daughter, Paige Sanni Urzua (Victor) and his son Christopher Wade Sanni. Doc’s four grandchildren Braedon and Vanessa Urzua and Ella and Alayna Sanni were key parts of his life. He enjoyed watching them in various sporting events and activities throughout the years.

Bill is also survived by his siblings: Jeanette Trostle of Gettysburg PA, Mike Sanni of Chambersburg, PA, Tina Hilliard (Rick) of Ocala, FL, and David Sanni (Karen) of East Berlin, PA. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Martin and MaryJane Sanni and his sister, Ann King. 

Doc was a success story through and through. Born in Sanford, North Carolina he spent most of his youth in Biglerville, PA, graduating from Biglerville High School (1962). He graduated from Millersville University where he played varsity basketball and then went on to receive his Masters and Doctorate degrees in education from Temple University. Thus the name “Doc.”

Bill loved Wissahickon School District where he spent over 30 years as a dedicated educator and administrator. He briefly left education in 1981 and worked for Safeguard Business Systems for over a decade before returning to education again in the Wissahickon SD. He retired in 2005.

After retirement he spent most of the year in Hilton Head and summers at the jersey shore in Brigantine.  Doc played his tennis at Upper Dublin Sports Center and Port Royal Racquet Club. In addition, Doc competed with his son and grandson in USTA national tennis championships and has won a bronze ball with both. Traveling, staying active, napping, and spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends were his true joys in life. His flexibility and acceptance of human nature were almost unmatchable. Competitive on the tennis court, he was a peacemaker everywhere else!

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023 between the hours of 11:00am-3:00pm at The Community Room in Blue Bell Country Club in Blue Bell, PA. In order to enter the Country Club, you will need to tell the gate attendant you are going to "The Rec Center".

A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held on Hilton Head Island in March or April 2024. The exact date and time will be posted once available.

In lieu of flowers, Doc would ask that you always be kind and love each other. Feel free to share memories and see information about a future celebration of life here.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”- Winnie the Pooh

Love you Pal