Nicholas Sottile

Nicholas G. “Nick” Sottile, 48, of Lake Placid, Florida, was beloved by family, friends and the community he served. Born September 7, 1958, in Avon Park to Myra Ruth and Philip Sottile, Nick grew up in the Lake Placid area and graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1976. He dedicated much of his adult life to public service, joining the Florida Highway Patrol in April 1983 and serving with commitment for 23 years.

A man of faith, Nick was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lake Placid. He found joy in the simple, grounded pleasures of life — hunting, fishing, gardening and cooking — pursuits that reflected his love of the outdoors and his care for home and family. Those who knew him remember a practical, steady presence who cared for his animals and land and who took pride in serving his neighbors.

Nick was a devoted husband to his wife, Elizabeth (Carr) Sottile, and a devoted father to his son, Nicholas II, and daughter, Heather. He is also survived by his father, Philip Sottile, and his siblings Jimmy (Bernadette) of Sebring, Raymond of Melbourne, and Debbie (Bob) Paszek of Granite Falls, North Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews.

The community gathered to honor Nick’s life in mid-January 2007; calling hours were held at Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid, with funeral services at The Restoration Center in Sebring and burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid. In recognition of his long service and sacrifice, family and community leaders arranged for commemorative remembrances, and a law enforcement scholarship was established in his name to honor his legacy of service.

Nick’s family asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Highlands Independent Bank to help support the scholarship established in his memory. Those who knew him remember a man who served his community faithfully, loved his family, and found contentment in the everyday work of tending to his home, land and relationships. His life remains a quiet example of steady commitment and care.