Photo courtesy of Swartz Funeral Home - Flint
Flint, Michigan
Mar 18, 1945 – Oct 18, 2025
Rev. Zoltan Steve Sutto (March 18, 1945 – October 18, 2025)
Zoltan Steve Sutto, 80, returned his soul to his Creator on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Growing up on the East Side of Flint, Steve’s first job was helping out his parents at the Sutto Family Market.
Steve then went into law enforcement, first serving with the Linden Police Department before transferring to the Grand Blanc Township Police Department. He reached the rank of Detective and served as the Police School Liaison for Grand Blanc Community Schools until 1997. While serving in this position, Steve answered his call to go into the ministry, graduating from Ashland Theological Seminary in 1996. Upon graduation, Steve served as the minister for Heritage Church, U.C.C. (formerly the Hungarian Reformed Church of Flint) until 2007.
Steve never fully retired, happily filling in as a lay pastor for several local congregations up until earlier this year. In addition to his careers, Steve wore many hats: President of the Grand Blanc Township Police Officers Association (spear-heading their annual car give-away raffle), Elks Lodge #222 Exalted Ruler 1989-90, Co-Founder of the B.S. Golf Open, General Secretary for the Calvin Synod, Calvin Synod Delegate for the Justice and Witness Committee for the United Church of Christ, Camp Director for the Hungarian Reformed Church Youth Camp, Chaplain for the Fraternal Order of Police, and organizer of the annual Peace Officers’ Memorial. His free time was often spent on the golf course and solving the world’s problems with his breakfast crew. One of his favorite memories was being invited to the White House in 1996 by President Bill Clinton to serve as the Hungarian Representative of the Celebration of Ethnic America.
Zoltan Steve is survived by his wife, Beth; three daughters, Alison, Rebecca, and Gretchen; and grandchildren, Victoria, Devin, and Adam.
He was preceded in death by his parents, István and Zsófia; his stepfather, George; and his brother, Steve, who was killed in 1944 during World War II at the tender age of 19.
A celebration of life will be held at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 W Hill Road, Flint, MI 48507. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 23 from 3:00-8:00 PM and on Friday, October 24 from 12:00-2:00 PM. Following will be a service at 2 o’clock, with Pastor Dawn Russell officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to made to Heritage Church, U.C.C., or the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
Read MoreSo sorry to hear this sad news Beth.I had no idea that he had passed until I heard it from Nancy.The lady who takes My sausage order.I don't get Flint Obituary up north.Again So Sorry for your loss.
steven r. szabo
October 25, 2025 | Other
To the Family and all who loved Rev. Sutto: please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your remarkable beloved. I knew Rev. Sutto through the Hungarian Reformed Church. His faith was sincere, deep and alive. He was a true inspiration on so many levels to those who knew him. May Rev. Sutto rest in peace and may all of us take comfort in knowing that he will forever remain as a blessing in the many lives that he touched with his joyful smile, spirit and kind heart. “...Out of his heart...
Tunde Friend
October 23, 2025 | CA | Friend
Truly a heartbreaking time but also a time to celebrate what a beautiful life Steve lived! I was a brand new police officer in 1980 just hired in GBTWP. Steve took me under his wing and taught me how to be a good and compassionate Police Officer. One of the BEST mentor and compassionate person that I had the pleasure of being a friend for over 45 years! RIP my friend.
Chris Piazza
October 21, 2025
Zoltán, you served with me in Flint, and there after. You were and are a Christian brother. Now, you are with the Lord. May your memory be blessed. Peter P. Bodor.
October 21, 2025
Steve and my dad met when they were 2 years old and were the best of friends from the jump. Steve was a wonderful man and a great friend to my dad his whole life (my dad passed 15 years ago). I will always be grateful to Steve for his friendship, humor, vision and faith. It will be a glorious reunion in Heaven, Scott and Steve laughing and clowning around. Sending my very best wishes to Steve's family.
Cheryl Adams
October 21, 2025 | Denver, CO | Friend
Sorry for your loss, steve was a great police officer, for my dad chief miles R
Prieur.
Richard c Prieur
October 21, 2025 | Sears,, MI | Friend
What struck me most about Rev Steve was his dignity, authority, quiet inner confidence, kindness and graciousness. He commanded respect, just by the manner in which he conducted himself. He had strength of character and was a beautiful example of a fine, godly man. He was a lovely man, much admired and is sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
Lorrie Vandivier
October 21, 2025 | Burton, MI | Friend
I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. He was my husband’s cousin, never got to meet him but felt like he was family. My father-in-law had nothing but good things to say about him. May he rest with the Lord now.
Michael and Nadine Gancsos
October 20, 2025 | Burton, MI | Family
Condolences to "Steve's" family. You must be very proud.
Sandra Gazso Kuehner
October 20, 2025 | Grand Blanc, MI | Classmate