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Retired LASC Judge Bruce J. Sottile, 92, Dies
Jurist Was Known for His Gentle Manner, Cordiality, Legal Knowledge
By a MetNews Staff Writer
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BRUCE J. SOTTILE 1932-2024 |
Retired Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Bruce J. Sottile, who was known during his 17 years on the bench as a jurist with a gentle touch, has died at the age of 92.
He “passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on Friday, July 26,” his son, attorney Timothy Sottile of the Agoura Hills firm of Sottile Baltaxe, advised yesterday.
Bruce Sottile was a founding member of the Italian American Lawyers Association (“IALA”) in 1997, served as its president in 1984, and seldom missed its monthly meetings.
An alumnus of Southwestern Law School, he was admitted to the State Bar in 1966, and that year he joined the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. He was an assistant city attorney in 1983 when Gov. George Deukmejian appointed him to the Los Angeles Municipal Court.
Sottile was elevated to the Superior Court by Deukmejian in 1985.
Published Assessment
The 2000 edition of California Courts and Judges says of him: “Judge Sottile’s courtroom is a welcome refuge for attorneys, who report that he is more than competent, as well as compassionate and cordial to everyone.”
It adds:
“He is generally considered by lawyers to be an intelligent and bright jurist, who is also well informed and well apprised of the law.”
After retiring from the Superior Court in 2000, Sottile joined an alternative dispute resolution firm. In announcing his association with it, ARC remarked:
“Hon. Bruce J. Sottile is an easygoing jurist who insists on civility and fairness, traits which serve him well as a mediator, arbitrator and discovery referee.”
The book mentions that he “is widely known for being very skillful at bringing parties together to work out a settlement.”
Son’s Remarks
His son Timothy Sottile reflected yesterday:
“Bruce thoroughly enjoyed his long career with the LA City Attorney’s Office and as a judge on the LA Superior Court and thereafter as a private mediator and arbitrator. He had a great affinity for the Italian American Community of Los Angeles and was a proud lifetime member and past president of the IALA.
“He enjoyed working with the many fine lawyers that 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 also took a keen interest in his large extended family. He was an inspiration to all and will be sorely missed.”
Past IALA President
Appellate specialist Douglas J. Collodel, senior counsel at Clyde & Co. U.S. LLP and 2000 president of the IALA, remarked:
“As a brand new attorney, Judge Bruce Sottile was one of the first judges with whom I had an interpersonal relationship. At the time, I was working with his son Tim and we frequented the Italian American Lawyers Association’s monthly meetings at Casa Italiana.
“It was at those meetings, spanning the past 40 years, that I was able to see and truly appreciate Judge Sottile’s kindness to all and his unimpeachable character, both of which never changed and are emblematic of how all judges should carry themselves.
“He made the Los Angeles Superior Court better, not only as a jurist but also as a diplomat for the judicial system. Riposa in pace Giudice Sottile.”
Estate-planning attorney Alice Salvo, IALA’s 2018 president, said:
“Among all the people I’ve known in the legal community, the Honorable Bruce Sottile stood out as one of my favorites.
“He was not only a mentor to me but also reminded me of my father, sharing his kindness and warmth. My daughter affectionately called him ‘Grandpa,’ and his genuine Italian charm was always evident. Our family will deeply miss this remarkable man.”
Sottile is survived by his sons Tim Sottile, Brian Sottile and his daughter Cathy Longo, his daughters-in-law Isabelle Sottile, Kathy Sottile and Pat Sottile and son-in-law Peter Longo and grandchildren John Sottile, Mark Sottile, Asley Longo, Ali Longo, Joseph Longo, Sophia Sottile, Olivia Sottile and Christopher Sottile. He was predeceased by his wife, Peggy Sottile, and by a son, retired police officer Stephen Henry Sottile.
★★★★
By Thomas P. Cacciatore
(The writer is a personal injury attorney in Pasadena. He was Italian American Lawyers Association president in 1983.)
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his was a wonderful man, a gentleman just as his father was in every respect.
He was among the earliest members of the Italian American Lawyers Association. His fluency in Italian language was also appreciated by many members. At that time he was employed as a senior attorney at the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. He was involved in the most complicated and far-reaching decisions being made by that department and was admired by everyone who worked with him.
His good humor and affability along with his legal talent got him noticed by senior people in city government who soon recommended him to the governor’s office for an appointment to the bench.
He was the seventh president of the Italian American lawyers Association, and it was in the midst of that term that he was appointed which meant that he had to pass the presidency to next-in-line Lawrence Crispo, who served out Bruce’s term and then his own. He continued to participate in the IALA until last year when health prevented him from coming to meetings. But up until that time, he missed very few, and his attendance was always appreciated by friends, colleagues and other retired judges.
He was fortunate to have good health throughout most of his life but it was a close call in one regard. He waited well into his 60s before receiving his first colonoscopy. Way too long. After he had the procedure he asked the doctor if he could go home. The doctor said “absolutely not, we’re doing surgery in the morning.” It couldn’t wait. They saved his life. Had he neglected that colonoscopy for another year, his obituary would have been written 30 years earlier.
Bruce was a very proud family man and rightfully so. He and his late wife Peggy raised sons Timothy, Steve, and Brian and daughter Kathy, and will be remembered fondly by many grandchildren.
Rest in peace, good friend.
Copyright 2024, Metropolitan News Company