George Leonard Sortelli

In Keeping with George’s Wishes there will be no services.

George Leonard Sortelli, 90 of Tucson, Arizona died Saturday August 17, 2024. George was a retired teacher at Pima Community College and enjoyed his life as an artist painting beautiful southwest and modern paintings. George was born in New York City and lived there until his late teens where he then moved to Ellenville, NY on a farm with his family.

The Sortelli family relocated to Tucson Arizona in 1959. It was there he met and married his loving wife, Lillian Ramirez. Lillian died in 1986. He then met his love Ruth Salwen of more than 28 years. Ruth and George spent time traveling. Some of their favorite trips included Hawaii, Canada, and Oregon. They loved visiting their children living in New Jersey and Long Island. They enjoyed playing tennis as singles and doubles partners and were born one day apart in NYC, sharing a virtually mutual birthday.

Surviving him are Ruth Salwen, and his daughter Karen Kinney and her husband Michael, his granddaughters Alyssa and Sara, brother Robert Sortelli and his wife Jo, his nephew Frank Sortelli and wife Kelly and their family as well as his nieces Lesa and Gail Foster.  

George loved tennis, painting, bridge, handy work, classical music, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He could fix or repair anything. He was patient, and teaching came naturally to him. Besides teaching community college math, he taught his mother, wife, and daughter to drive. He loved his granddaughters dearly and enjoyed his visits with them. He was dearly loved and will be missed forever.

In leu of sending flowers, please donate to Tree Planting Nonprofit | Arbor Day Foundation