Obituary of Anthony C. Sorge, M.D.

Anthony “Tony” Charles Sorge, M.D. (75) passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2023. His loving family was by his side.

Born September 24th, 1948 to Remo and Antoinette Sorge, Tony grew up in Corning, NY with his twin sister Francesca (Christopher) Machuga and his brother John (Laurie) Sorge, M.D.  As the son of Italian immigrants, he learned the value of hard work and education.  He attended Niagara University earning a BS in Biology and then went on to the University at Buffalo School of Medicine for his MD.  Following medical school, he completed a dual residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine.

Towards the end of his residency, he locked eyes with a young nurse, and a short while later Tony and Laurie Auer were married at the Interfaith Chapel at the University of Rochester campus on July 23, 1977.  According to family legend, he failed to tell Laurie until after they were married that he was required to serve two years on active duty in the Army. He had enrolled in ROTC while at Niagara and Uncle Sam expected payback for those tuition dollars. So, in 1979 the young family moved to Ft. Belvoir, VA for Tony to complete his two-year obligation.  He was discharged to the inactive reserves in 1981 having achieved the rank of Major.

Tony and Laurie then returned to the Rochester area and settled in Fairport. He began his private medical practice in the village on March 1st, 1982.  For 34 years he was known as Dr. Sorge or Dr. Tony to hundreds of patients.  People young and old were drawn to his calm style, personal care, and steady hand.  Tony and Laurie ran the practice together for many years as a great team and they treated all their patients like family. He retired the practice in 2016 so they could pursue spending more time with family and sitting by the water at their favorite spot in the Adirondacks. Tony continued to practice medicine on a part-time basis at Clifton-Fine Hospital in Star Lake, NY. He was never able to fully retire from helping those in need.

In addition to being known as Dr. Sorge by many, he was known as Dad by a few and as Bumpa by a few more. Along with his loving wife Laurie, Tony is survived by his three children, Emily (Cooper) Steele of Niskayuna, NY, Timothy (Melissa) Sorge and Hannah Sorge; his seven grandchildren: Carter, Jack, Claire, Emmett, and Harmon Steele; Adelaide and Vivian; his sister and brother, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Calling hours will be Friday, November 3rd, 3:30 - 6:30pm at Jennings Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home on 1704 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY. A memorial service will be held November 4th at 2pm at Christ Church Pittsford on 36 S Main St, Pittsford, NY. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made payable to the University at Buffalo Foundation and sent in memory of Dr. Sorge to the “Anthony C. Sorge, MD '75 and Laurie A. Sorge, GNP Medical Scholarship”,  PO Box 900, Buffalo, NY  14226-0900 or on their website at https://ubfoundation.buffalo.edu/giving/ and selecting the above scholarship.  Donations can also be made to the URMC Hospice Program by going to https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/home-care/hospice-care.aspx and selecting “Make a Gift” and choosing “Hospice Program” in the designation.