Albert L. Sutherland Jr.

Albert L Sutherland 87, of Mahwah, N.J. passed peacefully away on Thursday, April 10, 2025 with Marel-Lee, his loving wife of 55 years by his side. He was born in Tallman, N.Y. to Albert and Dorothy Sutherland in 1938 and grew up in Allendale, N.J. He was the eldest brother to his four surviving siblings David (Tonia), Philip (Sally), Jane Shaw (Jeff) and Andrew (Alice), and beloved uncle to Sharon Greene, Nancy Messina, Jane DeNorscia. Benjamin Shaw, Daniel Shaw, Sara Angier, Stuart Sutherland, and Karen Butterfield. He was also the brother-in law to Chip Kirchner (Kim) and Darel-Ann DePompeo (Mike), and beloved uncle to the DePompeo brothers Michael III, Matthew (Naomi), and Mark (Kalsie, and great uncle to Evelyn).
Al graduated from Ramsey High School in 1956 and worked at a local nursery for a time before deciding to tour the entire country on his compact Honda 450 motorcycle. Soon after, he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served his country in both active and reserve capacities from 1958 to 1962. After his honorable discharge, he joined the USPS and worked as a dedicated carrier for over 40 years giving exceptional service to the many appreciative postal customers on his route.
In his early years Al was an accomplished bowler at Paramus and then later Ramsey Interstate bowling alleys, where he met his future wife, Marel-Lee. He also enjoyed long distance running including several marathons over several decades.
Al was an active parishioner at the Warren Point Presbyterian Church in Fair Lawn. He served as an Elder and assistant treasurer for many years. He was known as a wise, kind, gentle soul who was a friend to everyone who knew him. He was a man of character who was respectful and considerate of others, patient, humble, honest, easy to talk to and listened with empathy. His family and many friends will forever remember and miss this wonderful man.
Friends will be received on Thursday, April 17th from 10 AM until 2PM and the funeral service will be held on Friday, April 18 th 10AM, both at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home, 257 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff, NJ. The internment will follow at Redeemer Cemetery in Mahwah for the immediate family at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Albert's memory to the Warren Point Presbyterian Church, 16-23 Broadway, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 www.warrenpointpc.org