Dr. John McSorley III

Dr. John McSorley III, a distinguished dermatologist, passed away on March 1, 2025 at the age of 85. Born on June 17, 1939 in Pittsburgh to John and Catherine (Maloney) McSorley, he was the eldest of five siblings.
Dr. McSorley was a proud alumnus of Central Catholic High School, the University of Pittsburgh, and the West Virginia University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at New York Columbia Presbyterian and Case Western Reserve University, with an internship at St. Francis Medical Center. He served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston, caring for service members that came back from the war in Vietnam. In 1974, he established his dermatology practice in Pittsburgh, affiliating with Shadyside Hospital, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and St. Margaret's Hospital. His dedication to patient care and medical education earned him board certification in Dermatology, and he practiced for over five decades.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. McSorley was deeply committed to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). His excellence in patient care and research was recognized through the John McSorley, M.D. Award, established in his honor, which acknowledges superior achievement in the field of dermatology. His patients and students adored him, often expressing profound trust and appreciation for his compassionate care and mentorship. He was known for his patience, attentiveness, and ability to make each patient feel genuinely cared for.
A man of deep faith, Dr. McSorley was a lifelong and devoted parishioner of St. Paul Cathedral and often attended the Pittsburgh Oratory. His faith was a guiding force in his life, shaping his commitment to service, generosity, and care for others. He was not only a supporter of the church but also an active participant in its community, attending Mass regularly and contributing to its mission.
Beyond his professional and spiritual life, Dr. McSorley found immense joy in his many passions. A true Francophile, he was fluent in French and an active member of the Alliance Française de Pittsburgh. His love for the French language and culture was evident in his frequent travels to France, particularly Paris, and his enthusiasm for French cuisine. An avid cook and entertainer, he delighted in preparing elaborate meals and hosting friends and family for lively gatherings.
Dr. McSorley also had a lifelong love of gardening, which brought him great happiness and peace. He particularly enjoyed cultivating flowers, tending to his garden, and spending time outdoors surrounded by nature. His green thumb extended beyond his own garden-he often shared his gardening knowledge and plants with family and friends.
His adventurous spirit took him across the world, with cherished trips to Europe, Vietnam, China, Argentina, Chile,and Mexico. He treated his sisters, nieces, and in-laws to annual theater weekends in New York, embarked on a train journey through Russia with his niece and nephew, and celebrated his 60th birthday with a family dinner at Villa San Michele in Florence. Closer to home, he was a lifetime member of the Duquesne Club, where he enjoyed celebrating special occasions with loved ones.
Dr. McSorley was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his siblings: Michael (Jan), Cathleen Stanton (Tom), David (Katie), and Mary; nieces and nephews: Michael McSorley, Devon McSorley, Ann Stanton Adams (Eben), Blake Stanton (Jennifer), Quinn Stanton Bonnett (Allen), and Mercedes Bian McSorley; and great-nieces and great-nephews: Brynne McSorley, Tatum and William Adams, Rorey and Colette Stanton, and Benjamin, John, and Henley Bonnett.
Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday from 2-7 p.m. Funeral Friday, Mass of Christian Burial, St. Paul Cathedral 10 a.m. At the request of the family everyone please meet at church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, St. Paul Cathedral, or the Shadyside Hospital Foundation.
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