Sorrenti’s career of service honored by Hancock County Commission

NEW CUMBERLAND -- It is a rare group of people who provide decades of service to the public.

Thursday afternoon, the Hancock County Commission honored one such individual, presenting a resolution in recognition of the service of John Sorrenti.

Sorrenti, a lifelong resident of Weirton, is best known for his time in politics, having been elected to Weirton Council in 1982, followed by an 18-year stint as a Hancock County commissioner.

"Far be it from me not to say a few words," Sorrenti joked in receiving the resolution, as well as a plaque featuring a Fiesta plate created for the county.

In addition to his work as an elected official, Sorrenti worked as a purchasing agent for Hancock County Schools, was adult education and placement coordinator at the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center, manager of training at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort, and a training specialist for the West Virginia Auditor's Office. He is known for traveling around West Virginia, offering workshops to governmental entities focusing on Robert's Rules of Order and how to properly run meetings.

He also spent 40 years in local radio, broadcasting high school football, basketball and baseball, as well as American Legion and Weirton Palomino baseball, and hosted a Saturday morning talk show called "Let's Talk Sports."

He is past president of Weirton Rotary, past grand knight of the Weirton Knights of Columbus, past president of the West Virginia Association of Counties and the County Commissioners Association, and a past chair of the Northern Panhandle Workforce Investment Board.

Among other honors, he has been inducted into the Weirton Hall of Fame, the Weir High School Wall of Fame and the OVAC Hall of Fame.

"You don't do those things looking for honor," he said, adding that the reward was in helping the people.

He said his career had him working alongside many great people, both elected officials and staff, and while they didn't always get along, they worked to find common ground in service to others.

"You never want the public to see you fight," Sorrenti noted. "That's the secret to good government."

Commissioners offered their appreciation to Sorrenti for his years of dedication.

"We thank you," Commission President Eron Chek said, joking that the commission also wished to thank the individual who was able to fit all of Sorrenti's resume on a single page for the resolution.

Commissioner Tommy Ogden said Sorrenti is an example of a good public servant, acknowledging the resolution did not include everything he has accomplished.

"What we read was probably a tenth of your resume," he said.

Commissioner Paul Cowey, meanwhile, offered his personal thanks to both Sorrenti and his wife, Judy, for the relationship they have shared.

"I want to thank you for your friendship over the years," Cowey said.