Carrie Rice (Sottile) Service Information

Carrie Sottile Rice, 94, of Philadelphia, longtime educator, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 18th at Holy Redeemer Hospital.

A native Philadelphian, Mrs. Rice was born on November 2, 1927, to father, Gaetano Sottile, and mother, Lucia Francesca Sottile. She was a proud and devoted sister to her two brothers, Egidio and Guy Tom.

Carrie was a 1944 graduate of Frankford High School, earning her B.A. degree in Education from Chestnut Hill College (’48), a Master’s degree in Education from Arcadia University (’74), and a Principal’s certification from Temple University (’74).

Carrie spent over fifty years in education, touching the lives of countless students, parents, and staff. She began her career as an elementary school teacher for the School District of Philadelphia from 1948-54. During that time, she also worked as a model for Philadelphia network channels 3, 6, 10, appearing on a variety of shows, including those hosted by Bill Weber and Ernie Kovacks, among others.

Her teaching career then moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico (1954-56), where she taught at the United States Navy Anilities Consolidated School. In addition to teaching, Carrie worked as a model and actress for two Puerto Rican television stations.

Upon moving back to Philadelphia, Mrs. Rice taught an additional eleven years (’62-72) before moving on to a position as Human Relations Coordinator for the School District of Philadelphia from 1972-76.

After earning her Principal’s certificate, she was named the principal of Kennedy Crossan Elementary School, serving in that position for fifteen years (’76 -‘91). Carrie retired in 1991, but continued to work part-time for Arcadia University as an adjunct professor and supervisor of student teachers. She also acted as an educational consultant and fundraiser for the Philadelphia Children’s Network. Finally, Carrie served as the Director of Public Relations, Alumnae Affairs, Development, and Admissions for Nazareth Academy High School from 1995-2001.

In addition to her career in education, and television and modeling, Carrie was an active member of numerous organizations, including the Northeast Rotary, the American Cancer Society, the Bridge Drug Rehabilitation Center, and the Human Relations Council. Mrs. Rice also volunteered her time to The Overbrook School for the Blind, the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, the March of Dimes, and the American Red Cross.

Being the child of first generation immigrants, Carrie was extremely proud of her Italian heritage. She was a life-long member of the Order of Sons of Italy, an Executive Board Member for the Italian Counsel General’s Office, and the Commission for Social Justice.

Carrie championed the advancement of women in the field of education as a member of the American Association of University Women, Women for Greater Philadelphia, the Arcadia University Women’s Board, the Philadelphia Council of Administrative Women in Education.

At home, Carrie was an incredible cook, not only for her family but also for friends and neighbors. If you were lucky enough to eat at the Rice’s house on Knorr Street, you never left hungry, and sometimes needed a food-induced nap afterwards.

Nothing was more important and special in her life than her family. A devoted and loving mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother, Carrie is survived her sons Bill (Ginny) Rice of Philadelphia, and Steve (Amy) Rice of Pipersville, PA, and her grandchildren William Rice, Susan (Josh) Scanish, James (Morgan) Rice, Kelsey Rice, Kevin Rice, and Kristen Rice. She was predeceased by her husband William; her brother Egidio Sottile (Franca) of Rolgiano, Calabria, Italy; and Guy Tom Sottile (Betty) of Niagara Falls, New York.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 28th from 9-10 AM at PRESENTATION BVM CHURCH, 100 OLD SOLDIERS ROAD, CHELTENHAM, PA. Funeral Mass to follow at 10 AM. Burial will occur at Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, 1215 Super Highway, Langhorne, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nazareth Academy High School for Girls using the following link In Memory Gift to Nazareth Academy High School

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