James R. Sortore, 93, of Bradford, PA passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

He was born on October 27, 1929 in Bradford, a son of the late Raymond and Mary (Smith) Sortore.

James attended the Bradford Area High School; graduating in 1947.  He went to work for the former Kendall Witco Refinery in 1947 as a laboratory technician until his retirement in 1995.  He then worked throughout the years after his retirement as a part-time consultant for the laboratory at the refinery until 2007.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean war from 1949 until his honorable discharge in 1950.

James was actively involved in the SPEBQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America) and sang baritone in several quartets throughout the years in Bradford, Olean, Saint Marys and Coudersport.  James a talented artist and created the backdrops and scenery for the annual Barbershop Quartet and Chorus shows in Olean for many years.  He was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Bradford; where he was active in the chorus.

He is survived by one son, William Sortore and his wife Christine (Fox) Sortore of Bradford; one grandson, Tyler Sortore of Bradford and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Sortore, Allen Sortore and Glenn Sortore and one sister, Virginia Von Carlowitz.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

Burial will be in the Duke Center Cemetery, Duke Center.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home, Inc.  

Online Condolences can be expressed at www.maschofuneral.com.