Gene L. Sortman

Gene Lynn Sortman, 80, was born Sept. 3, 1937, in Williamsport. He was the son of Harrison and Henrietta (Citti) Sortman. Gene succumbed to complications from Alzheimer’s disease in Aurora, Colo., on May 28, 2018.

Gene is survived by his wife, Joan (Dietrick) Sortman of 60 years; daughter, Lynn Pompeo (Kirk); son, Vince Sortman (Suzanne); daughter, Tami Sortman; and son John Sortman (Debbie). Gene has many loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. Gene was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all.

Gene’s true passions were drawing, painting and singing. He made an amazing career utilizing his passion for art and design at CA Reed Corporation as the art director and then involved with licensing, marketing and product development for over 30 years until his retirement. Even after retirement, Gene could not stay away from his passion for marketing. He helped start and was a partner with the design firm Idea Factory. Gene could be seen every Sunday at St. Boniface Church either lecturing or singing with the church choir. He also sang with the Gesang Verein Harmonia Chorus where he was a life member. Gene was involved in numerous charitable and community organizations and also would volunteer at Williamsport Hospital doing cartoon drawings for the kids in the pediatric ward. He was most known for the mural work that he did at the Thomas Taber Museum as well as a mural at the Harmonia Hall. He also enjoyed cooking, gardening and reading. Gene was always there to help friends with art projects or whatever else they needed him for. He will be truly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service for Gene will be held at St. Boniface Church in Williamsport on Monday, July 16, from 10 to 11 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter Please send your donations to attention: Gail Aideuis, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, 57 North Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18701. Please add a note that says donated in the name of Gene Sortman. Thank you!

Submitted by family.