Honorable Bruce J. Sottile

He was born on July 16, 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he grew up until moving with his family to Los Angeles in 1946. He was in the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, CA and graduated from Loyola University of Los Angeles with a degree in Business Administration. He served in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and thereafter graduated from Southwestern University School of Law with a Juris Doctorate.

A member of the State Bar of California for over 50 years, he thoroughly enjoyed his long legal career with the LA City Attorney’s Office and as a Judge of the LA Municipal Court and the LA Superior Court and thereafter as a private mediator and arbitrator. He presided in San Fernando and Van Nuys for the majority of his time on the bench where he handled civil, criminal and probate matters. He had a great affinity for the Italian American Community of Los Angeles and was a past president of the Italian American Lawyers Association. He enjoyed working with the many fine lawyers who appeared before him and his colleagues on the bench.

Many reported that he was always thoughtful and patient during trial and that it was a pleasure to try a case in his courtroom no matter the outcome. He was a devoted husband to Peggy, his beloved wife, who predeceased him, and a wonderful father to his four children and eight grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Stephen Sottile and is survived by his sons Tim and Brian Sottile and his daughter Cathy Longo as well as his daughters in law Isabelle, Kathy and Pat Sottile and his son in law Peter Longo. His is survived by his grandchildren John, Mark, Sophia, Olivia and Christopher Sottile and Ashley, Ali and Joseph Longo. He also took a keen interest in his large extended family.

He was always active in his community and a former member of the Board of Advisors for the Rancho San Antonio School for Boys in Chatsworth, CA as well as a parishioner for many years at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Encino, and most recently at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Westlake Village. In retirement he enjoyed travelling to Europe and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid dog lover and Koi fish enthusiast and enjoyed the peace and serenity of the Conejo Valley and its many fine restaurants..