William R. Worobec

William R. Worobec of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, devoted conservationist, public servant, craftsman, skier, and family man, passed away surrounded by family. He was widely respected for his leadership in protecting Pennsylvania’s aquatic resources and for inspiring others to value and preserve the natural world.

A graduate of Mercersburg Academy, Mr. Worobec attended Bucknell University before graduating from Lycoming College and later completing graduate studies at the Wharton School.

Mr. Worobec served as a Commissioner of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission after being appointed by Governor Ed Rendell in 2006. During his tenure, he served as Vice President and later President of the Commission, helping guide statewide conservation policy, fisheries stewardship, and habitat restoration initiatives.

A passionate advocate for science-based conservation, Mr. Worobec worked tirelessly to protect Pennsylvania’s streams and rivers. He supported 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 for future generations of anglers and wildlife. In recognition of his lifelong dedication to conservation, Trout Unlimited honored him as Director Emeritus.

In addition to his environmental work, Mr. Worobec founded a local gardening and food distribution initiative that helped feed hundreds of local families.

Professionally, he spent more than fifty years helping individuals and families plan for their futures, beginning his career with Kidder, Peabody & Co. and concluding it with Wells Fargo. Known for both his financial expertise and genuine care for others, he formed lasting friendships with many of his clients.

Mr. Worobec loved fly fishing, upland bird hunting, woodworking, and skiing with his daughters, Eve, Erika, and Rebecca. A lifelong skier and member of the National Ski Patrol, he spent more than fifty years on the slopes, especially in Aspen, where the family shared a home. He was also a gifted dog trainer and master craftsman who created early American-style furniture entirely by hand.

He treasured time with his beloved wife, Pamela, especially summers on Cape Cod and quiet walks with their dogs. Deeply proud of his Ukrainian heritage, he loved sharing family traditions and stories with his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Worobec is survived by his wife, Pamela; daughters, Eve Lapine, Erika Worobec, and Rebecca Worobec-Gaucin; and cherished grandchildren, Mason, Olivia, Garret, Nash, and Scout. He will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, craftsmanship, conservation leadership, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

A service to celebrate the life Mr. Worobec will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Christ Episcopal Church, 426 Mulberry St., Williamsport, with The Reverend Kyle Murphy officiating. A time of fellowship will be held at the church following the service.

For a more detailed obituary, information on memorial donations, and to leave your fondest memory for the family, please visit www.jamesmaneval.com.