Joshua Sorotzkin

Joshua was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. His father Joel Sorotzkin, an engineer, and his mother Sara Osofsky, a nurse, moved from Tel Aviv to a vast frontier area as pioneers contributing to the development and success of these dry lands into the thriving agricultural community that is Moshav Herut. Til his last days, Josh remembered with deep fondness working the land with his father and the beloved orange orchards he helped plant.

Joshua loved working on their family farm and wanted to produce more effective fertilizers for the farmers, but duty called and in 1948 he went to fight for Israel’s independence. Following his service he began studying chemical engineering at the Technical Institute of Israel in Haifa. His brilliance was recognized and he was asked by his professors to contribute to high-level research and development projects near the Dead Sea for several years.

Josh’s love of learning and betterment drove him to pursue his education. In 1954 he decided to emigrate to the United States to pursue a graduate studies program which was unavailable in Israel at that time. He reached his goal by completing his Master’s degree in chemical engineering from New York University in 1956.

After graduation, Josh decided to remain in the U.S. taking a position at Shell Oil Company in Ventura, California with a focus on energy efficiency and alternative energy sources.

Shortly after arriving in Ventura he met his future wife Anna and together they raised three daughters. Josh continued to work for Shell Oil Company for 30 years and afterward continued to work as a professional engineer. Many of his colleagues recall his brilliance, professional excellence, sense of humor and devotion to his work.

He was surrounded by his loving family who were holding his hands when he died. His family cherishes his memory: wife Anna; daughters Ruth (Bert) Mandelbaum, Aliza (Ira) Astrachan and Dalia (Zvi) Attia; and his precious grandchildren Rachel, Jordan, Ava Mandelbaum, Talia and Arielle Attia; and his sister Zipora Ronen and her family.

Special gratitude to Mukda Panjamat of Luxe Homecare, Odi Molina, Rosy Escobar, Leonardo Magsila and to the many Skirball Hospice personnel for their kind at-home care.

A private family burial was held in Ventura, California. Joshua’s legacy of a deep love for family, excellence in work, devotion to the truth and the utmost pride in Israel’s accomplishments will be remembered. May his loving memory be blessed.

Donations can be made to Magen David Adom, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450, Los Angeles, CA 90048.