October 31, 2002 Dr. Frank J. Sottile, Ed.D., a lifelong Scranton resident, died Thursday in Mercy Hospital after an illness.

Born in Scranton, son of Josephine Venturi Sottile, Scranton, and the late Frank Sottile Sr., he attended Samuel F.B. Morse Elementary School and Scranton Central High School. He earned bachelor and master of science degrees from the University of Scranton and later earned certificates for elementary and secondary principals and supervisor of mathematics and computer science. He also earned a specialist's certificate for computer mathematics.

In 1998, he earned a doctoral degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, with a dissertation titled "A Qualitative Study of Mathematics Teachers' Perceptions of Assessment in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics." After graduating from the University of Scranton, he began his teaching career in the Scranton School District's summer school program at Technical High School. He then taught mathematics at West Scranton High School, West Intermediate and North Intermediate. In 1985, he was appointed supervisor of mathematics and computer science for the Scranton School District. He also taught in the mathematics and education departments at Marywood University, the University of Scranton and Temple University. He had taught all levels of mathematics and computer programming and also developed curriculum for kindergarten through 12th grade.

A participant in seminars at the Pennsylvania State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he co-authored a publication on LOGO titled "Taking on the Turtle -- It's a Snap!" He was a member and past-president of Phi Delta Kappa, University of Scranton chapter, and chaired its scholarship committee. In 1989, he earned its "Educator of the Year" award. He was active in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. He was president of the Pennsylvania Council of Supervisors of Mathematics and, in 2000, was presented with its "Hall of Fame" award. He twice served as general chairman of the Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of Mathematics state conference and was a member of St. Lucy's Church, West Scranton.

He was a loving son, nephew, cousin and friend. He was a dedicated educator and consummate professional who will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Also surviving are aunts, uncles and cousins.

The funeral will be Tuesday from the Patrick F. Guido Funeral Home, 120 S. Main Ave., with Mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Lucy's Church, Scranton Street. Interment, Cathedral Cemetery.
Friends may call Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Lucy's Church.