Obituary of Gordon B Sorli

Gordon B. Sorli, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2023. He was 91 years old.  Gordon was born in Woburn, Massachusetts and grew up in Billerica, Massachusetts. He was the son of Susan and Gordon C. Sorli. He was a graduate of Billerica High School. He then enlisted in the Navy and was transferred to the Air Force when it was established.  He served for almost 4 years during the height of the Korean War.  He held the rank of Staff Sergeant and was assigned to the 6461^st Troop Carrier Squadron. He was proud to serve in the Air Force, but he never talked about his experiences in the military with his family.  He was the recipient of the Korean Service with 2 Bronze Service Stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. 

After being discharged from the Air Force he enrolled at Iowa State’s engineering program. On a Saturday night he went roller-skating and met his future wife, Ellie Hutchinson. They fell in love and were married.  They spent 3 years in Iowa then returned to Massachusetts settling in Burlington in 1958.  He spent his entire career working for Sylvania and GTE Sylvania as an electrical engineer.  One of the more notable projects he worked on was inventing the “Barcode”.  They are named in the pattern that is held by Sylvania.  The original barcode was designed for keeping track of rail cars, but was quickly adapted for the military, post office, and in retail.  He also worked on communication systems used by the military in their defense systems.  Gordon retired at the end of a well-respected career at the age of 58.

Gordon was a man devoted to his family.  He and his wife created a loving home for their three sons in Burlington. He was also a talented woodworker.  He built all sorts of furniture for his home, and even his son’s restaurant, the Gas Light, in Portsmouth, NH.  He and Ellie loved to travel.  Gordon had a wonderful life.  He served his country, had a successful career, had many wonderful experiences and adventures, was always happy, and was loved by all his family. 

Gordon was the beloved husband of 68 years of Eleanor “Ellie” (Hutchinson) Sorli.  He was the loving father of Paul Sorli of Portsmouth, NH, Eric Sorli & wife Laura of Hooksett, NH, and the late Ron Sorli & his surviving wife Debra of Merrimack, NH.  He was the brother of Paul Sorli of FL and the late Duncan Sorli. He was the proud grandfather of Kristen Meschino & her husband Jameson of Hooksett, NH, Kevin Sorli & his wife Andrea of Woolwich, NJ, Kayla Oppel & her husband Mike of West Springfield, Jessica Swanik & her husband Steve of Brookline, NH, Michael Sorli & his wife Megan of Dover, NH, Adam Sorli of El Paso, TX, and Matthew Evens & his wife Soneth of Stoneham.  He was also survived by 10 great grandchildren.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Monday, December 11 from 5-7 p.m.  Memorials in Gordon’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA 02452.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net