William Louis Ranieri

William “Bill” Louis Ranieri, age 75, passed away at his home in Virginia Beach, VA on September 16, 2025.

Born in Schweinfurt, Germany on February 23, 1950 to Anthony Ranieri and Juliana Althammer. In his youth, he enjoyed building model scale hobby cars, classic ‘50s and ‘60s Rock and Roll and Motown. He enjoyed going to the old Teen Town Center listening to music, dancing and jitterbugging on the dance floor. As a teenager, he developed a passion for cars and mechanics. He graduated from Aberdeen High School in June 1968 and two weeks later answered the call of duty and proudly served in the U.S. Army for three years, consisting of two tours in South Viet Nam, one with the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and the other with the 101st Airborne Division. His combat missions totaled 2500 combat flight hours as CH47 helicopter door gunner and crew chief. He was awarded 9 air medals (two for valor) in combat.

After his honorable discharge. Over the next 12 years he pursued his passion for mechanics and graduated from the Lincoln Technical Institute in 1972. He worked for Tidewater Marina in Havre de Grace and later worked for Charlestown Marina in Charlestown. He then worked for Bendix Corporation in Saudi Arabia and traveled the Middle East where he met his wife on a trip to Jordan. He then spent time in Germany. It was there that he had his second calling to serve his country. His Navy career started March of 1982 in Frankfurt, Germany.

During his 17-year naval career, his duty stations include Naval Facility Brawdy Wales, United Kingdom; Commander Oceanographic Systems Atlantic, Norfolk, VA; Naval Ocean Processing Facility, Dam Neck, VA; Commander Undersea Surveillance, Dam Neck, VA. During his last year of service, he was stricken with cancer but through the grace of God, he fought this battle and won.

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1999, he worked as a Master Mechanic Tech for Phillips Mercedes-Benz where his skill, precision and joy in working on cars shined through every day. His life’s travels took him to all parts of the world: Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Middle East, Australia, and Mexico. Bill was a Born Again Christian and loved the Lord. His smile would light up the room. He was a kind, caring, and giving man who gave much of himself to charity.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and his beloved wife Eva-Maria. He is survived by his brother, Salvatore and wife Carol, beloved nieces and nephews, sisters in law, his Aunt Connie and many cousins here in the U.S. and in Germany. He is also survived by his son Eric Sohl from a previous marriage.

A service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday September 26, 2025 at Tarring Cargo Funeral Home, P.A., 333 S. Parke St, Aberdeen, MD 21001 with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Harford Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Boys and Girls Club.