Celebration of Life: Dr. Richard Louis Sottile, September 29, 1944 – January 4, 2025

Provided.

Dr. Richard Louis Sottile.

Dr. Richard Louis Sottile, 80, of Tehachapi passed away on Jan. 4.

Richard was born on Sept. 29, 1944, to Antoinette and Agostino Sottile in Brooklyn, New York. He was their third son after a 15 year gap. He started life chasing after his big brothers and continued the next 80 years chasing his dreams.

As a child, Richard moved to Southern California with his mother after the untimely death of his father. He graduated from Canoga Park High School and went on to pursue a career in Chiropractic, graduating from Los Angeles Chiropractic College.

He married his first wife, Pamela Sorce in 1966, and together they had five children.

Richard began his Chiropractic career in Bakersfield, California and soon after, he moved his family to Tehachapi. It was there that Richard set up a successful practice where he helped the people of small town Tehachapi stand upright again, one adjustment at a time.

It could be said that Richard not only healed with his hands but also healed with laughter, which was often heard by the patients in the waiting room of his small office.

Richard believed there was never a bad time for a good "dad joke."

Throughout his adult life, Richard fell in love with dogs and began showing them with the German Shepherd Dog Club. After multiple champions, he developed an illustrious breeding program that brought him immense joy.

Richard married his love, Liz Kerzner in 1996, and along with her son Ryan, they started their life together in Tehachapi. For the next 20 years they ran his practice and hit the open road on the dog show circuit on weekends in their motor home.

Richard retired from Chiropractic after 48 years. He then began his battle with many health issues. No matter the prognosis, he was ever hopeful, faithful and determined to continue living and loving his family. Always trusting in the encouraging words of Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Richard was a brilliant person who even in his later years, was reading and writing daily. He would never shy away from giving over-the-phone medical advice to his family and friends. He loved the Dodgers, forbidden cheesecake and "Baywatch" reruns.

Richard's legacy was his family. His intense love for them was evident in his kindness, generosity and pure joy in being with them. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, doctor and friend.

Richard loved and served the Lord, finding immense comfort in the promise of peace that his faith gave him.

Richard is survived by his wife, Liz Sottile; his children, Gina (Mike) Birenbaum, Shelly Sottile, Amy (Dave) Johnson, Frankie (Laura) Sottile, Melissa (Steve) Lander, and Ryan (Sarah) Kerzner.

Grandchildren: Carson Wozencraft, Wren Wozencraft, Ricky (Castine) Sottile, Kelsey Sottile, Mia Sottile, Sierra Lander, Carter Martin, Casey Martin, Piper Johnson, Ava Johnson, AJ Sottile, Gianna Sottile, Hudson Kerzner and Bryggs Kerzner.

Great Grandchild: Louie Sottile.

Richard is preceded in death by his father Agostino Sottile, his mother Antoinette Sottile, brothers Frank Sottile and Joe Sottile and his beloved son, Rick Sottile.

He will be deeply missed, until we meet again.

John 11:25-26