Alan Thorndike Sortor

Dr. Alan Thorndike Sortor, 94, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in Fresno, California leaving behind a life marked by service, quiet faith and deep devotion to others.

Born in Los Angeles on November 23, 1931, to Charles H. Sortor and Ruth (Jameson) Sortor, Alan was raised in Fresno, the city he would go on to serve for nearly seven decades. He graduated from Fresno High School as an Eagle Scout before attending Stanford University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1953. While at Stanford, Alan rowed on the crew team and was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi and the Stanford Glee Club. He received his M.D. degree in 1956 from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

In 1954, Alan married his high school sweetheart, Wanda “Pegi” Moore. Following medical school, he completed an internship at Bellevue Hospital in New York and served as a Lieutenant and physician in the U.S. Navy. He then returned to California for a surgical residency at Presbyterian Hospital in San Francisco, before establishing his surgery practice in Fresno. In 1969 he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

For nearly seventy years, Alan served generations of families with dedication and compassion. He was a respected figure in the Central Valley medical community, serving as Quality Liaison for Medical Staff at St. Agnes Medical Center for many years. He was also a certified substance abuse counselor who provided confidential support to fellow physicians.

Faith and community were central to his life. Alan and Pegi were active members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. They also sang with the Fresno Community Chorus. Passionate about the Sierra Wilderness, he was an avid backpacker, mountain climber and skier, serving with the National Ski Patrol for many years.

Alan was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Pegi, and his sister, Carol (Sortor) Banks. He is survived by four children—Kelly Lofstedt and Kathy, Marci, and Michael Sortor—and six grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to the Human Good Foundation, Benevolence Fund or Team Member Educational Assistance Fund, 5555 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93710.