Rod O. Sutton

1921 - 2013

Rod O. Sutton obituary, 1921-2013, Saratoga Springs, NY

Rod Sutton Obituary

SARATOGA SPRINGS - City native, educator, businessman and public servant, Rod O. Sutton, 91, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
Born Nov. 10, 1921, in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late William and Cornelia Cameron Sutton and he was a twin sibling of the late May Hodgson.
He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School with the class of 1940, attended Albany Business College and was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He was assigned to the 825th Ordnance Co., served at the internment camp for Japanese Americans in Santa Anita, Calif., and was promoted to sergeant Dec. 23, 1943. He was sent overseas to the European Theatre Operation as part of Headquarters under General Eisenhower.
Following duties in England, France, Belgium and Germany, Rod was discharged Dec. 24, 1945, and then attended Siena College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.
On June 15, 1947, he married the love of his life, the former Mary Maglione, and they were happily married for more than 65 years.
He operated the Five Points Grocery store for 12 years, returning to school in Oneonta and receiving his teaching credits. He taught at Corinth central schools for 27 years, retiring in 1984. Since the late 1940s, Rod could be found during racing season parking cars on Union Avenue across from Saratoga Race Course and worked well into his '70s before passing it on to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Sutton remained active in his hometown community throughout his teaching career and during his retirement.
A member of the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board for 12 years, followed by three terms as commissioner of Finance from 1968 to 1974. He also served as a member of the Urban Renewal Agency and Saratoga Springs Planning Board.
Rod spent much of his life dedicated to the Saratoga Springs B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161. Initiated in 1953, he was Exalted Ruler from 1964 to 1965. In his many years with the Elks, Rod was chairman of the Northeast Scholarship Committee; a member of the State Bowling Committee; three-time chairman of the State Bowling Tournament hosted in Saratoga Springs, which brought thousands of bowlers to the city during the tournament; a Northeast District trustee; and treasurer of the State Elks Association. He was selected Old Timer of the Year in 1979.
An avid bowler at the Elks Club, he was best known for bowling a 300 game - one of only two ever bowled there.
A recipient of a Hometown Hero award presented by the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau for his efforts in bringing tourists to our community, he was a longtime member of Gurtler Bros. Post 420 VFW and American Legion Adirondack Post 70.
In addition to his parents and his twin sister, he was predeceased by his brother, William, and his sister, Minna.
Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sons, Rodney J. (Amy) and Mark (Kimberly) Sutton, and his daughter, Cameron (Keith) Simons, all of Saratoga Springs, his beloved grandchildren, Brian, Patricia, Kristin, Jenna, Keith, Katherine and Jonathan; and his great-granddaughter, Addison May.
Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 584-5373.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 7, at Bethesda Episcopal Church, 41 Washington St., with the Very Rev'd. Marshall J. Vang, interim rector, officiating.
Burial with military honors will follow at the family plot in St. Peter's Cemetery on West Avenue.
Members of Saratoga-Wilton Elks 161 will meet at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home for services.
Memorials may be made in his name to the Elks Scholarship Fund, Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge 161, P.O. Box 3111, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866; or to Bethesda Church, Flower Fund, 41 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Published by The Saratogian from Jan. 3 to Jan. 5, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rod Sutton

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Mr.Sutton was my third grade teacher.I always loved him.'He made learning fun.Loved playing Bingo..He handed out fifty cent pieces..
MaryCarol Canary

January 3, 2014

Rod
Prayers are with you and your family - I remember as a kid "hanging out at five points" Rod was an integral part of out lives as kids on the block - his kindness will never be forgotten
One of the White Street Gang - Fred Noyes

fred noyes

April 1, 2013

Dear Sutton Family,

Please accept our condolences for the passing of Rod Sr. We didn't know him but we read the obituary and he clearly led an incredible life and surely was a role model for his family.

Val and Stuart Schultz and Family

January 20, 2013

Rod-
Just heard last night about your loss. Please know that you, your dad, and all your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!!
Dave, Alicia, Lauren and Maddy Smith

David Smith

January 18, 2013

Rod and family so sorry for your loss , thinking of you and your entire family .

Lou Anne ,Rick , Natalie &MacKenzie

January 11, 2013

So sorry to hear about Mr. Sutton; he lived a long life.

Cherie and Ken Grey

January 7, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sutton family.

K. Veitch and family

January 7, 2013

I join with many who send our deepest sympathies. Rod Sutton was one of the most beloved teachers at the South Corinth School where he taught for many years. Whenever I meet classmates from South Corinth, they always say, "I loved Mr. Sutton." Rod Sutton reached all children and made sure that we all knew that we were part of "one big family."

Diane Zigo

January 7, 2013

Mary, Rod, Cammy, and Mark, We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad did alot for Saratoga, he will be missed. Corinne and Skip Scirocco

January 7, 2013

Rod:

So sorry to hear about the passing of you Dad, my prayers and condolences are with you.

David Howard

January 7, 2013

My sincerest condolences to all family members.

Robert W Ritchie

January 7, 2013

Rod,
Len & I were sorry to hear of your dad's passing. What a wonderful man, always so happy, friendly and a true gentlemen. The good memories will remain with you always. Will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Carolyn & Len Opalka

January 6, 2013

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Sutton's passing. He was my 6th grade teacher and I have such fond memories. He was a kind, gentle man and taught with a soft touch.

Pattie Saunders

January 6, 2013

Mary,Rod&family sorry for your loss.Rod was a great guy,are prayers will be with you all.

Jack&Marie Pompay

January 6, 2013

Sorry to here of your loss.

Gary Ebert

January 6, 2013

Pat Haase

January 6, 2013

LAWRENCE Haase

January 6, 2013

Cameron and Family, my deepest sympathies.

Terry Valentine-McCue

January 6, 2013

Mr. Sutton was a favorite teacher of so many of us! A man who chose to make learning as fun as possible, and a wonderful person. May God comfort you all in your loss. Cherished memories of him resinate through hundreds of us.

Dianne Chandler Tyler

January 6, 2013

Mary,So sorry to hear of Rod's passing.My deepest sympathy to you and your family, I will keep Rod in my prayers. Vera Corona and family.

Vera Corona

January 5, 2013

Rod & Mrs. Sutton,

Please know that I will keep you all in my prayers. The memories you have made over the years will always keep Mr. Sutton in your hearts.

Deborah Iuliano

January 5, 2013

Many of us cherish the memories of Rod at the Fifth Avenue Block parties. How he loved being with his friends. He will be missed greatly. All the best to Mary and all the Suttons.

Annie Quinn

January 5, 2013

I was the replacement teacher in his third grade class at Corinth in 1984. My sympathies to his family.

Rose Farr

January 5, 2013

Mary and entire family:: Rod was a devoted man in ALL he did.You should all be proud and we join you in your prayers. Larry & Miriam Ostwald

January 5, 2013

We are sorry to hear about Mr. Sutton. He will be in our prayers. God Bless
Mike & Karen Coppernoll
The Villages, Fl.

January 5, 2013

So very sorry for your loss

Heidi and George Van Voorst

January 4, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss.

Bob and Edie King

Bob King

January 4, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss!! Mr. Sutton was my third grade teacher! He was an awesome man!!! RIP

January 4, 2013

I will remember Mr. Sutton fondly. I am sorry for your loss. Paryers for the family.

Terrie Boisseau

January 4, 2013

Mrs. Sutton and Family,
I am so sorry to heard about Mr. Sutton passing. He was such a great friend to my dad! He will be missed! You are in my thought and prayers!!
Love, Kathy Roohan Jerome

January 4, 2013

Thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember Mr. Sutton as my teacher in third grade. He was a great teacher.

Beth Everetts

January 4, 2013

rod and amy
our prayers are with you and your family
tim n peg kelley

January 4, 2013

Dear Mary: We are so sorry to hear of Rod's passing. We remember all the good times we had together. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Eva and Ernie Southworth

January 4, 2013

Recall him and your mother fondly, they were good friends of my parents Walt and Jessie Cornell. Sorry to hear of your loss, but know he will be thought of by many.

Paula Scribner-Phelps

January 4, 2013

u will be greatly missed , the best third grade teacher ,kind understanding and a loving mentor ,

fred millis j.r.

January 4, 2013

Mary and family, The thoughts and prayers of our family are with you all. We had such fun times with you two and our parents in Florida over the years! We are saddened for your loss! The Carey family, the Keiths and the Ewings

January 4, 2013

my prayers go out to mr.suttons family.I was one of his students in corinth,he was a great teacher wish there was more like him

charlene feulner

January 4, 2013

Great man gave me several chances as a student RIP

Tim Stewart

January 4, 2013

With deep appreciation for Rod's dedicated work for the NYS Elks Association. We will long remember!

Lawrence Contratti, SP

January 4, 2013

Rod was a great guy and a wonderful friend. We will all miss him very much.

Loren & Veronica Brown

January 4, 2013

My condolences to Rod's family.
I hpe he's enjoying a round of golf up there.

Rose Tait

January 4, 2013

Our deepest sympathies go out to Mark and his family.
Jon,Betsy and family

January 4, 2013

We'll miss Mr. Sutton tremendously. He has been a wonderful presence in our lives.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Tracy Quinn

January 4, 2013

Mark and all the Suttons,

Our deepest sympathy at the passing of your dad. He is in our prayers.

Dennis & Cheryl Conway

January 4, 2013

My wife and I extend our deepest sympathy to the family of our dear friend, Rod. I worked with Rod at Corinth Central Schools and at his parking lot on Union Avenue. He was a good, generous man, with a keen sense of humor and generoisty for those around him. His students talk about him with reverence; he was a dedicated and respected teacher. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Nick Matino

Nick Matino

January 4, 2013

Mary you have our deepest sympathies. We miss seeing both of you at our Elk conventions and those long train rides to Buffalo.

Ron & Dolores Olson

January 4, 2013

May he Rest in Peace. Rod was a true mentor too many. Rod was always there too help you resolve a problem or begin a project. It was an honor to be a brother Elk . A very caring, supportive person his wisdom will be missed

Gene Cole

January 4, 2013

Our prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family.

Cindy Kobor June and Family

January 4, 2013

Just want to say how sorry I am to hear of the loss of Mr. Sutton. I was taught third grade by Mr. Sutton in South Corinth School. I have to say he was one of my most memorable teachers. What a wonderful, loving man. Never to be forgotten. God Bless.

Terri (Wagner) Brownell

January 4, 2013

So sorry to hear of Uncle Rod's passing. He was very much a part of my mother's life and she adored him. Ted Haff

Dana Haff

January 4, 2013

Mary,

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts.

Staff at Burke & Bussing Funeral Home

January 3, 2013

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