William L. Sebok

Dr. William L. Sebok, 70, passed away on January 4, 2022, at the Gilchrist hospice, with his wife, Clare, by his side.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Bill lived in Columbia, Maryland, since 1990. Bill maintained ties in Tallmadge, Ohio, where his family lived and in central New Jersey, where his wife's family and friends resided.

A brilliant student, Bill graduated from Tallmadge High School and the University of Akron. He attended graduate school at Caltech, where he earned a Ph.D. in astronomy. Bill was a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University and spent most of his career in the Astronomy Department at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he was a computer system manager and software expert.

Bill had a lifelong love of music, starting at the age of 7 when he began accordion lessons. He eventually adopted the flute as his main instrument and also played alto flute, piccolo, soprano saxophone, keyboards, and recorder. Bill played in many church groups over the years, including the 12:30 Mass Band at the Church of St. Ann in Lawrenceville, NJ. He was active in the music ministry at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Columbia for many years. Bill also played flute in a Celtic band, Dileab Phriseil.

Bill was a kind and gentle soul who loved animals, especially the many dogs, cats, and ferrets that he and Clare cared for over the years. Birdwatching and hiking were favorite activities. He enjoyed walking along the Middle Patuxent River, taking his dog Riley to the dog park, and visiting Shenandoah National Park. Bill was a steadfast source of support for Clare when they cared for her elderly parents and aunts for 16 years.

Bill was the son of the late Albert and Ruth Ballway Sebok and brother of the late David Sebok and Dale Sebok. Bill is survived by his wife of 33 years, Clare Sebok. He is also survived by his brothers, Thomas Sebok and Terry Sebok; his sister and her husband, Diane and Dan Palmer; and sister-in-law Nancy Sebok. Other survivors include his nieces and nephew, Emily Palmer, Katrina Palmer, Ashley Sebok, and Michael Sebok. Bill was honored to be Emily Palmer’s godfather. Bill is also survived by one uncle, Richard Ballway.

Memorial Donations may be sent to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD 21044 or to an animal rescue organization of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William L. Sebok, please visit our floral store.