April 3, 1928 - December 14, 2024
William D. Sutterlin, 96, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 14, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family. Bill was a genuine father, husband, and friend to all who met him. He was a kind, gracious, and loving gentleman, who instilled such values in his children as honesty, integrity and respectfulness. The first thing anyone would notice about Bill was his sincere smile and in later years his beautiful white hair. He lived a life that was full and saw it through without exemption.
Born on April 3, 1928 to Daniel C. and Ellen V. (Harper) Sutterlin, Bill was a lifelong resident of Hamilton. His father was a second generation American from Germany, while his mother was born in Scotland and embarked on a journey to America as a little girl with her family. Bill graduated from Hamilton High School, Class of 1946 and from Rider University, Class of 1951. He was employed as a Sales Manager with Prudential for 37 years earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients. Bill served in the United States Navy Reserve in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Along with Pete Larkin and Phil Mazzone, Bill was one of three founders of the Yardville Swim Club in Switlik Park. The swim club brought many hours of enjoyment to families in the Yardville area and created an environment of fun and new friendships amongst the children.
Bill was an officer for the Hun School of Princeton Parents Association, the high school attended by both his sons. Bill especially enjoyed his card club which rotated at each person’s home every other Tuesday for over 40 years, they were a close-knit group of guys who shared a special bond. After retirement, Bill later worked part-time as a driver for Hamilton Township Senior Citizens Transportation providing rides to seniors. Later he was selected to be the personal driver for Bishop John M. Smith of the Trenton Diocese. Their friendship first inspired Bill to convert to Catholicism years later, months prior to his 90th birthday.
Bill enjoyed sports and grew up a Brooklyn Dodgers fan until they moved away following the 1957 season. Like many Dodgers fans who were saddened by the owner moving the team, he finally forgave them, although decades later cheered on the rival New York Yankees. In his later years, he spent time watching the Yankees and Duke Men’s College Basketball, as he admired Coach Mike Krzyzewski. He especially enjoyed spending time at the Jersey shore from Asbury Park down to Cape May.
Predeceased by his parents Daniel and Ellen Sutterlin; his sister, Lois Ivins; his brother-in-law, Paul Ivins; and his mother’s sister, Margaret Platt, better known as Aunt Daisy. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Maureen (Gatyas) Sutterlin. Earlier this year they received a special blessing from the Diocese of Trenton after celebrating 50 years of marriage. Bill and Maureen had two children, a son, Michael Sutterlin; and a daughter, Maura Phelan. One of the people who brought him the greatest joy was his grandson, his little buddy Brendan. Bill is also predeceased by his former wife, Rita Nolan; and survived by their son, William B. Sutterlin and his wife Lynette; his grandchildren Jeffrey, Mark, and Laura; and several great grandchildren.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm at the Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home, 30 Yardville Allentown Road, Yardville, NJ 08620.
Funeral services will begin on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 8:30am at Buklad-Merlino Yardville Memorial Home.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00am at St Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 4620 Nottingham Way, Hamilton, NJ 08690.
Entombment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery Mausoleum, 1200 Cedar Lane, Hamilton, NJ 08610.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MRC Sports Unity Program (SUP) which provides the opportunity for athletes with special needs to participate in organized sports. You can contribute online at https://www.marltonreccouncil.org/page/show/1601447-sponsorship-opportunities or make checks payable to Marlton Rec Council-SUP, PO Box 159, Marlton, NJ 08053 Attn: Mark vonBerg, Commissioner.
Bill will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he smiled upon.
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