July 4, 2010 2:52 AM
Mary (Sottile) Potena, of Bristol Borough,
passed away peacefully Friday, July 2, 2010
at Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township. She was 90.
She was the devoted widow of Dominic Potena.
Born and raised in Bristol Borough, Mary,
along with her late husband Dominic,
owned and operated Dominic Potena Plumbing & Heating
for many years in the area.
Mary lived a long and happy life in which her favorite past-time
was cooking and baking for her family.
She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Her vibrant personality endeared her to all who knew her.
She will be greatly missed by her children, Dominick Potena Jr. of Margate, N.J., Ann Potena and Frank Lapergola of Bristol, Vivian DeLellis and her husband, Dennis of Buckingham, and Mary Jane Paglione and her husband, Steve also of Bristol. She will also be missed by her devoted and loving grandchildren Mary and Christina Paglione, Vanessa and Darren Perry, Domenica Potena, Dana DeLellis, and Alan and Danielle DeLellis; her great-grandchildren, Christopher and Sophia DeLellis; her sisters, Ann McCaughey, Rose Mellor, and Doris Casperson; brothers, Jim and Dominick "Sonny" Sottile; and many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law Sandra Potena; her sister, Louise Bonner and brothers, Sam and Anthony Sottile.
The family especially thanks Mary's loving caregiver and friend Irena Walentek and the nursing staff on the Fourth Floor South and Telemetry Unit of Lower Bucks Hospital, and the staff of Vitas Hospice.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street in Bristol Borough. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10a.m. at St. Ann Church. Interment will follow in St. Mark Cemetery.
The family requests memorial contributions in her name be made to St. Ann Church, 357 Dorrance Street, Bristol, PA 19007. Galzerano Funeral Home, Bristol
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By Bryan Messerly
For BucksLocalSports.com
Ever wonder what that banner hanging in the high school gym is there for. It represents Mr. James Sottile, inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame a little over two years ago.
According to the criteria set forth by the WVU Sports Hall of Fame Committee, sports hall candidates must have demonstrated a nationally-recognized athletic playing, coaching or administrative ability which brought a degree of fame to himself or herself and to the University. For example, All-America honors, national championship competition, or recommended by peers for distinguished performance at the national level.
Jim Sottile was an All-America honorable mention in 1953, his senior year at West Virginia and was drafted by a professional basketball team in New York that later became the Sacramento Kings. A standout forward for the West Virginia University men's team from 1951-53, Jim Sottile was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
A native of Bristol, he helped West Virginia enjoy one of its best three-year spans in school history.
Sottile’s fine career was highlighted by his senior season in 1952-53, when he led WVU with 19.3 points per game and averaged six rebounds as the Mountaineers went 19-7.
With Sottile in the starting lineup, WVU posted a 60-20 record. In his junior season, he only played in 13 games because of a severe collarbone injury. He was sorely missed as the Mountaineers fell to Duke, 90-88, in the conference tournament semifinals at Raleigh, N.C.
Sottile’s importance to the team was clearly evident as he was named team captain in his senior season and started all 26 games. He was named All-America honorable mention in 1953 and made the all-Southern Conference first team.
The 6-1, 178-pound forward also made the Tri-State Area first team in 1953 and ranked 19th in the country in scoring with 501 points.
After his superb senior season, Sottile was drafted by the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in 1953. He then played semi-professional basketball for the Sunbury Mercury.
Sottile also excelled academically while at WVU. He was the senior class president in 1953 and was a member of the Sigma Nu social fraternity. He also gained membership into several honorary organizations, including Mountain, Sphinx, Sigma Nu and Fi Batar Cappar fraternities.
He currently resides in Levittown, and took his knowledge and experience to the classroom as he taught grades seven through 12 for 36 years at Bristol High School.
Sottile earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from WVU in 1953 and received a master’s degree from WVU in 1956.
While getting his master’s degree, Sottile served as a graduate assistant and helped coach Jerry West on the WVU freshman team in 1956-57. Sottile and his wife, the former Jeanette Modzik of Morgantown, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. The couple has four children: Anita Giampietro, Jim Jr., Derek and David. Sottile also has three grandchildren: Natalie and Allison Giampietro and Heather Sottile.
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2.24.2011
Bob Mulligan, BHS '71 "Very nice article ...Mr. Sottile (still can't call him Jim) assistant cross country coach and track when I was running for Bristol and we won the Class B track and field State Championship...he inspired and at times awed us by his presence, great sense of humor also...
1970 we won...I graduated in 1971"
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Published: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Enshrined at West Virginia, Bristol High's Jim Sottile to be honored by Bucks County Sports Hall of Fame
By Bryan Messerly
For BucksLocalSports.com
Former Bristol High gym teacher Jim Sottile was once a standout for the West Virginia University men's basketball team. Later drafted into the ranks of the pros, Sottile will be among 15 honored April 11 by the Bucks County Sports Hall of Fame.
Ever wonder what that banner hanging in the high school gym is there for? It represents Mr. James Sottile, inducted into the West Virginia University Sports Hall of Fame a little over two years ago.
Before he became a gym teacher at Bristol High, Sottile was a standout forward for the West Virginia University men's basketball team from 1951-53. An All-America honorable mention in 1953, his senior year at West Virginia, Sottile was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. After college, Sottile was drafted by a professional basketball team in New York that later became the Sacramento Kings.
Now, Sottile is being recognized on a more local level, by the Bucks County Sports Hall of Fame. Jim is among 15 inductees who will be honored by the the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame April 11 at King's Caterers in Levittown.
While not many of us witnessed Sottile's roundball career, you can be sure the honor is deserved. According to the criteria set forth by the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Committee, sports hall candidates must have demonstrated a nationally-recognized playing or coaching ability which brought a degree of fame to himself or herself and to the University. For example, All-America honors, national championship competition, or recommended by peers for distinguished performance at the national level.
An athlete, Sottile did just that, making his mark on the hardwood for the Mountaineers. A native of Bristol, he helped West Virginia enjoy one of its best three-year spans in school history.
Sottile’s fine career was highlighted by his senior season in 1952-53, when he led WVU with 19.3 points per game and averaged six rebounds as the Mountaineers went 19-7.
With Sottile in the starting lineup, WVU posted a 60-20 record. In his junior season, he only played in 13 games because of a severe collarbone injury. He was sorely missed as the Mountaineers fell to Duke, 90-88, in the conference tournament semifinals at Raleigh, N.C.
Sottile’s importance to the team was clearly evident as he was named team captain in his senior season and started all 26 games. He was named All-America honorable mention in 1953 and made the all-Southern Conference first team.
The 6-1, 178-pound forward also made the Tri-State Area first team in 1953 and ranked 19th in the country in scoring with 501 points.
After his superb senior season, Sottile was drafted by the Rochester Royals (now the Sacramento Kings) in 1953. He then played semi-professional basketball for the Sunbury Mercury.
Sottile also excelled academically while at WVU. He was the senior class president in 1953 and was a member of the Sigma Nu social fraternity. He also gained membership into several honorary organizations, including Mountain, Sphinx, Sigma Nu and Fi Batar Cappar fraternities.
Sottile earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from WVU in 1953 and received a master’s degree from the university in 1956. While getting his master’s degree, Sottile served as a graduate assistant and helped coach Jerry West on the WVU freshman team in 1956-57.
A present-day resident of Levittown, Sottile took his knowledge and experience to the classroom as he taught grades seven through 12 for 36 years at Bristol High School before retiring a decade ago.
Sottile and his wife, the former Jeanette Modzik of Morgantown, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago. The couple has four children: Anita Giampietro, Jim Jr., Derek and David. Sottile also has three grandchildren: Natalie and Allison Giampietro and Heather Sottile.
BucksLocalSports.com Editor Steve Sherman contributed to this newspiece.
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3.17.2011
Matthew Perez, BHS '95 "He was one of the best teachers ever. A real class act.
Mr Sottile was a real tough gentleman. Tough but fair. he used to let me cut run the staircases in the halls for gym during wrestling for cardio. I had lots of respect for him."
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Anthony J. Sottile Jr., age 61, of Levittown, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia, he was a long-time Bristol Borough resident before moving to Levittown in 1982. Anthony was a retired member of Plasterer’s Local 8 in Philadelphia and worked for Fastrack Construction in Ft. Washington until his retirement one year ago. He was director and coach of St. Joseph the Worker CYO for many years. Anthony loved all sports; and especially loved yearly trips with his family and friends to watch Notre Dame Football. Tony will also be remembered for playing quarterback for the Bucks County Redskins Semi-pro football team. He also played 3rd base for St. Ann AA Softball. More recently, Tony found an appreciation for wine-making, trips to Wildwood with his family, and relaxing on any beach; but most of all he was devoted to his family.
He was predeceased by his father Anthony Sottile, and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 31 years Gloria (nee: Repetz) Sottile; his heart-broken mother Sara Jane Sottile (nee: Keating); his devoted children, Kimberly Angelo and Amanda Sottile; and his granddaughter whom he adored Kennedy Leigh.
He is also survived by his siblings Michael Sottile and his wife Patty, Mark and his wife Carol, Brian Sottile, Monica and her husband Rick, and Patricia “Trish” and her husband Jack; his uncles Dominick “Sunny” and his wife Mary, and Jim and his wife Jeanette; his aunt Doris “Dolly” Casperson and her husband Jack; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, 6pm-9pm, and Friday, 10am-11:30am, at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street in Bristol Borough. Funeral Mass will begin at 12noon at St. Ann Church. Interment will follow in St. Mark Cemetery. Donations in Tony’s name may be made to Chandler Hall Hospice Unit, 99 Barclay St., Newtown, PA 18940.
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WVU's College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
to honor 2015 Hall of Fame and outstanding alumnus inductees
On Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences will induct four graduates into its 2015 Hall of Fame and name its 2015 Outstanding Alumnus.
The College will also announce the Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest honors the College can bestow on a faculty or staff member. A reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. and the formal induction ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center. The public is welcome to attend.
The College will induct the following individuals into the 2015 Hall of Fame: David Cohen, Les Poolman, Ronal Shewcraft and James Sottile. The Hall of Fame ceremony will conclude with the 2015 Outstanding Alumnus Award presented to Elizabeth Majestic. Lynn Housner will receive the Distinguished Service Award.
The College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is proud to add the names of this year’s class of inductees to its growing list of exceptional alumni. More than 125 alumni have previously been inducted into the College’s Hall of Fame.
To be eligible for nomination, an individual must hold a degree awarded by the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences or a certification in Athletic Training prior to 1997 and have made significant contributions to the College, their profession, or society. Those presently employed by the College are not eligible.
Brief bios for the honorees follow:
David S. Cohen, Esq. earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology and athletic training and a master’s in community health promotion from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He also holds a Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California. Cohen is the General Counsel of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Florida and is a licensed California attorney, Florida registered house counsel and a National Athletic Trainers Association Certified athletic trainer. Cohen is responsible for drafting and negotiating legal and business terms of contracts with sponsors, vendors, employees, season seat holders and suite licensees. He oversees all organizational litigation and has significant experience managing complex and class action lawsuits. Cohen also oversees human resources, insurance, compliance and privacy functions for the Buccaneers.
Les Poolman, a native of England, received a bachelor’s degree from Keele University in Staffordshire, England and a master’s degree from WVU. He later received a doctorate in higher education administration and physical education/athletic administration from WVU where he served an assistant soccer coach. Poolman joined Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., as athletic director in 1988, having previously served as the director at Mount Holyoke College. He created a strong environment, new sports and helped build and renovate the athletic facilities at Dickinson College. During this time, he oversaw a pair of national track and field champions, 48 Centennial Conference championships in 12 sports, championship play in 18 sports and a national ranking of 41 for the Division III schools in the 2013-14 Learfield Sports Directors’ cup.
Ronald Shewcraft received his bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and graduated with his master’s in Physical Education in 1977. Shewcraft earned his Advanced National Coaching Licenses from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and an invitation to become a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association Coaching Academy teaching staff. Shewcraft led the Men’s Soccer program for 29 seasons as head coach at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Prior to that, he served as assistant coach at North Adams State. He led the program to their first and only final four appearances in 1978, his first year at the helm. Shewcraft collected a 292-184-46-career record that included 16 postseason appearances. He led his troops to five conference championships during his career.
James Sottile earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education and health from West Virginia University in 1953 and received a master’s degree from WVU in 1956. He was a standout forward for the WVU basketball team from 1951-53. Sottile also excelled academically while at WVU. He was the senior class president in 1953 and was a member of the Sigma Nu social fraternity. He also gained membership into several honorary organizations, including Mountain, Sphinx, Sigma Nu and Fi Batar Cappar fraternities. A native of Bristol, Pa., he helped WVU enjoy one of its best three-year spans in school history. Sottile’s fine career was highlighted by his senior season in 1952-53, when he led WVU with 19.3 points per game and averaged six rebounds as the Mountaineers went 19-7. He currently resides in Levittown, Pa., and took his knowledge and experience to the classroom as he taught grades seven through 12 for 36 years at Bristol High.
Elizabeth Majestic received her undergraduate and graduate training at West Virginia University and Indiana University, respectively. She is a Senior Executive Fellow in the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. For more than 20 years, Elizabeth Majestic served in positions of increasing responsibility with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Majestic served as associate director for program development for the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at CDC. She has served as an adjunct associate professor in the Institute of Public Health at Georgia State University. In this role, Majestic developed a national initiative to strengthen the nation’s public health workforce and expanded organizational capacity to prevent and control chronic disease.
Lynn Housner is associate dean and professor emeritus of Physical Education Teacher Education at West Virginia University. Housner held the position of associate dean from 1994 until 2013 at CPASS. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and his master’s and doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Housner has served in various leadership positions with state and national health, physical education and recreation organizations. He participated in organizing the American Educational Research Association Special Interest Group and chaired this organization for the first two terms from 1986 to 1988. In 2002, Housner was selected by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education to receive the National Council for accreditation of Teacher Education Board of Examiners accreditation training and has represented NCATE on accreditation visits since this time.
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Rick M. Techtmann passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, surrounded by his family in his Langhorne home. He was 60. Following his cancer diagnosis, Rick embraced his last days living life fully and imprinting his spirit on the people he loved most. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Monica; his three children, Amy Pasqua and her husband Jeff, Michael Techtmann and his wife Rebecca, and Kaitlyn Galak and her husband Marty, and his five grandchildren, Luke, Grace, Olivia, Michael and Layla. Rick will be deeply missed by his beloved mother-in-law, Sara Jane Sottile; his sister and brother-in-law, Trish and Jack Murray and their children, Jake, Shawn, Ryan and Sarah, as well as many more family members and friends. The love Rick had for the people closest to him, especially his grandchildren, is what gave him the most joy and fulfillment in life. Rick was born Nov. 20, 1957, to Walter and Patricia Techtmann. He graduated from Bishop Egan High School in 1975, and entered the U.S. Marine Corps ten days later, serving proudly from 1975-1977. Rick was employed by the Bristol Post Office. He was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church from 1980-2000, where he was president of the CYO, served on the Pastoral Committee, and coached many sports teams. Later he volunteered for the non-profit organization, Aid for Friends. Rick will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Relatives and friends are invited to call from 8:45 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 225 Bellevue Ave Penndel, PA 19047. Funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Inurnment will follow in Washington Crossing National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Galzerano Funeral Home, Levittown www.galzeranofuneralhome.com
James Marvin Sottile, Sr.
Jeanette and James Sottile, Sr.
WVU mural
BHS Basketball’s “Bristol Bomber”
by Cate Murway
“Believe in yourself and something good will come of it.” Jim Sottile
Inaugural member of BHS class of 1988 Hall of Fame, James Marvin Sottile, Sr., BHS ‘49/ WVU ’53, Masters ’56 [surname meaning delicate, refined and subtle] unabashedly dominated the BHS boards as the Warriors’ “Bristol Bomber” and as the WVU Mountaineers’ team Captain. Jim excelled academically and was the standout basketball forward from 1951-53 who helped WVU enjoy one of its best three-year spans in school history. His consummate high school athletic career also included track, he competed in the 220, 440, long jump, high jump and anchored the mile relay; and he played fast, agile, and elusive halfback offensive, one of the more glamorous positions on the field in football. “I was a hard nosed kid and then some!”
Jim was the sixth child born to Italian immigrants, Carmella [Delia] and Antonio Sottile along with 5 sisters and 3 brothers; the late Louise, Sam and Anthony and his surviving siblings Mary, Ann, Rose, Dominic “Sonny”, and Doris, who still resides on Lafayette Street. His dad worked in parts manufacturing at the Henry J. Kaiser Aircraft company plant. His mom worked in the Joseph R. Grundy worsted wool factory for $.08 an hour. His parents worked so hard, “Imagine feeding nine children”. Some of his sisters worked grading and bunching vegetables at Starkey Farms in Morrisville and his older brothers quit school to work.
He remembers that everybody ate pasta and lots of homemade vegetable soup. A stocked full open truck came past with fresh fruits and vegetables for a fair price and there was a grocery store right on the corner of Lafayette and Pond.
Jim was born during the Depression; “Things were tough but I remember good times running around a lot and playing ‘tin can Andy’ in the street with my friends.”
After receiving his diploma from Principal David L. Hertzler at his BHS June 8th, 1949 graduation ceremonies in the Grand Theater, a scholarship landed the Class President at the University of West Virginia. Starting lineup player Jim was a most notable forward for the Mountaineers basketball team from 1951-53, leading WVU with 19.3 points per game in 1952-53. WVU posted a 60-20 record and he was named team captain in his senior season [Jim was also elected Class President once again] and started all 26 games. The 6-1, 178-pound forward was named All-America honorable mention in 1953 and made the All-Southern Conference first team, received the Roger (Shorty) Hicks Memorial Trophy, and was ranked 19th in the country in scoring with 501 points. His imposing presence as an aggressive basketball forward center and his jumping ability made him a star. His hometown of historic Bristol on the Delaware was proud! He reminisced, “God bless Junior Field. One of my idols! Half the time he gave me shirts, shoes for nothing. In 1952, he organized at least 3 busloads of people to see me play vs. NYU at Madison Square Garden.” The New Yorkers wondered if they were going to wear their sneakers or play barefooted. They defeated NYU, ending their 13 game winning streak.
As a WVU graduate assistant, Jim had the honor of coaching the now retired Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Jerry Alan West, nicknamed "Mr. Clutch", who was the co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team in Rome and was voted one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA history in 1996. “Taught him everything he knows”, he shared with a smile.
He was drafted by the Rochester Royals while training, and then by the Army, as well. Second Lieutenant Jim re-injured his shoulder that had been wired in 4 places and he was discharged after a short stint in Fort Meade, MD and Fort Benning, GA.
He played semi-pro basketball for the Sunbury Mercury team after returning from the service.
Morgantown, PA will always have a special place in his heart. He met his wife of 50 years, Jeanette Michelle [Modzik], University H.S. ’54 in Morgantown while she was working in the Veterans office on the WVU campus when he went in to sign up for the GI Bill. Jeanette’s parents were Rose [Potempa] and Joseph Modzik who came from Poland to work in the coalmine in WV, ranked second in coal production at that time.
They are extremely proud of their four children. Anita Giampietro, Maple Point ’77/BCCC resides in Lancaster; James, Jr., Maple Point ’83/ Trenton State College '88/WVU '90 MA/WVU '95 PhD, is a professor of Educational Psychology, Human Development and Counseling at Marshall University, WV. He was granted the 2007 Marshall University Excellence in Teaching Award and the 2001 Marshall University Undergraduate Advisor Award. Derek, NHS ‘84/Temple U lives in Langhorne; and their youngest, David, NHS ‘88/BCCC is a world-class chef in NJ at Mia Restaurant & Bistro in Tom’s River. Granddaughters, Natalie and Allison Giampietro and Heather Sottile are their pride and joy!
He shares his birthday with George Benson who recorded the original version of "Greatest Love of All" for the 1977 Muhammad Ali bio-pic, “The Greatest”.
“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Everybody's searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to…”
Jim Sottile returned to his alma mater in 1965 with a great wealth of knowledge to coach and teach industrial arts, health & P.E. and driver’s ed.
What does he remember most?
“Championships! Worked the kids hard and the kids worked for me hard.”
He apparently ran practice as if it were boot camp and he had a profoundly positive impact not only on athletics, but the entire school.
In 1975, BHS became the first Lower Bucks County school to ever win a PIAA state championship.
“I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows”
His entire 1973 basketball team was inducted into the ultra elite Hall of Fame on 1-30-09.
“I do not have ONE moment. What I do remember is Jim Sottile the man. I remember his passion and desire and drive to be the best he could be and to make each person on his teams the best they could be, and the team the best they could be. He coached with a veracity that will never be equaled. He bled the red and gray of Bristol. He was never afraid to show his emotions. We knew that when you put on a Bristol High School Basketball Uniform you wore it with pride and played with an intensity and a will to win, a never say die attitude. When you mention Bristol Basketball, the names of Chic DeAngelo and Jim Sottile will be at the top of the list.” BHS Athletic Director, Gregory Ernest Pinelli, BHS ‘73/BCCC ‘75/Kutztown ’80 who played on the PIAA Eastern Conference championship team inducted into the BHS Hall of Fame.
Newly inducted BHS Hall of Fame Basketball forward Leonard James LaRosa, BHS’73/BCCC, [wife, basketball athlete Alicia [Phinn], BC ‘79], is the Region 19 varsity boys’ basketball coach at St. Frances Cabrini and a PIAA HS and NCAA college basketball referee. They have two sons; Joseph is a basketball player and Michael plays soccer. Lenny remembers Coach Sottile, “He is a gentleman who had one of the biggest influences in my life; a mentor, a father, a great person!”
Someone is always speaking well of him, along with a hearty offering of gratitude.
“Jim is a tremendous coach and a tremendous man. Just talk to the athletes, they have great respect for the man. He has the admiration of the players. I would have loved to play for him!” Inaugural BHS Hall of Fame honoree, James William [Jim] Jones, Jr., BHS ’59. Jim Sottile coached Jimmy’s son, Tyrone Jones, BHS ’82.
“I look up to him. He was always an idol. He was a good student and a great athlete. He succeeded and always did the right thing.” Inaugural BHS Hall of Fame honoree, Robert Nicholas Liberatore, Sr., BHS ’57 /Villanova ’61/U of PA Wharton School.
Historic Bristol on the Delaware is his home.
He compliments Borough Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe, Jr.
“Outstanding! Does an amazing job with his council.”
His fond memories include the Gerber Bakery on Pond Street for cinnamon buns and leftover jellyrolls at the end of the night for free.
His mom would take he and his brothers, once a week, to a $.10 cowboy show and for a Junior Field’s hamburger with his homemade sauce for a dime. He still enjoys the masterpiece Hoagies and delicious steak from Mazzanti’s Market. They always went to Ballow’s for shoes and he shopped at the “penny store”, McCrory’s.
He recalls listening to the popular old time “Inner Sanctum” radio program that aired from 1941-1952 featuring the macabre themed stories of mystery, terror and suspense with the familiar famed audio trademark of the eerie creaking door that opened and closed the broadcasts.
“Good evening friends of the Inner Sanctum….”
Jim is a founding member of the Bristol Borough Athletic Association, enhancing, assisting and giving back to the community. They currently have risen in excess of $40,000 for scholarships, providing much-needed equipment for athletic programs.
Intense coach/teacher James Sottile has proven that he works incredibly well with people of all ages and he has the ability to inspire, help others to reach their goals and realize their potential. As for the athletes who have accomplished great things and have built successful and fulfilling lives, he has “taught them well and lets them lead the way!”
Recommend a “Spotlight”: e-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
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NY HERALD TRIBUNE PHOTO
1975
awarded the Roger (Shorty) Hicks Memorial Trophy
Sottile children David, Anita, Jim and Derek
granddaughters, Natalie, Heather and Allison
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James M. Sottile, age 89 passed away peacefully June 23, 2019 at St Mary Medical Center in Langhorne. Born and raised in Bristol Boro he was a resident of Levittown for 55 years. He was a well-known coach and teacher at Bristol High school for over 30 years before retiring in 1995. In younger days Jim ruled the courts at BHS and as team captain of the West Virginia University Mountaineers. In other sports Jim competed for BHS in track and field and was also a stand out offensive halfback. In 1988 Jim was inducted into the Inaugural Class of the BHS Hall of Fame. After high school the BHS Class President went out to the University of West Virginia where he was also elected Class President. While at WVU he stood out as the leading team scorer in 1952-1953 and was named team captain during his senior year. Subsequently he was named All-America honorable mention in 1953 and made the All-Southern conference first team, receiving the Roger (Shorty) Hickes Memorial Trophy, and was ranked 19th in the country in scoring. After college he was drafted by the Rochester Royals and while in training camp drafted into the Army, as a Second Lieutenant. Jim reinjured his shoulder that had been wired in 4 places and was discharged after a short stint in Fort Meade, MD and Fort Benning, GA. Jim is a member of the Knights of Columbus council. He is preceded in death by his parents Antonio and Carmella Sottile, siblings Samuel and Anthony Sottile, Louise Bonner, Mary Potena, Rose Mellor and Anne McCauley. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years Jeanette Sottile (nee Modzik), four children Anita Giampietro (Neil), James, Jr., Derek (Kathryn) and David, granddaughters Natalie, Allison and Heather, brother Dominic (Sonny) Sottile (Mary) and sister Doris Casperson (Jack). Relatives and friends are invited to call Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 6 - 9 pm and Friday morning 9 – 10:15 am at the Galzerano Funeral Home, 430 Radcliffe Street, Bristol, PA 19007. Funeral mass will begin at 11 am at St Ann Church 357 Dorrance Street, Bristol. Interment will be held Wednesday, July 3 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Please arrive precisely at 10 am at Galzerano Funeral Home, 3500 Bristol – Oxford Valley Road, Levittown, PA 19057, so that interment can take place at 11 am.
