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Richard (Dick) Donald Sutter Sr
Richard (Dick) Donald Sutter Sr
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Richard (Dick) Sutter Sr Obituary
Born in Pittsburgh, PA on December 12, 1933, he was the youngest of 5 children to Thomas Douglas Sutter, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth ("Mame") Sutter. Dick lived an active life full of family, laughter, and adventure.
Dick attended Penn State University where he made many good friends and was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. From there he served for two years in the US Army, as a Radio Signal instructor and bookkeeper in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Following his military service, Dick graduated from Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania.
Following graduation he worked in the commercial insurance industry in Pittsburgh, where he built a successful business lasting several years.
For 66 years, he was the devoted husband of Helen (McCune) Sutter. Together they raised a loving family and enjoyed a life centered around deep Christian values and shared joy. He was the proud father of Richard (Rick) Sutter, Jr. and his wife Michelle, and daughter Jennifer (Jenny) TeGrotenhuis and her husband Ward. Dick leaves behind seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense pride and happiness to his life.
Dick was a man of many stories-always ready with a tale, a laugh, or a bit of wisdom. He enjoyed downhill skiing and tennis with many lifelong friends. However, his favorite athletic pastime was golf. He would recall every shot from a round of golf and was always eager to tell you about them, good or bad. Dick especially cherished summers at his lakefront home at Van Buren Point in Western New York. He was also a passionate bird watcher, finding quiet joy in the natural world.
A celebration of his life will be held on August 23 at (time PST) at West Side Church, Richland, Washington. All are invited to attend by live stream hosted by the Facebook page of West Side Church, Richland, WA.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Dick Sutter, please consider World Vision, which protects and empowers the most at risk children. https://www.worldvision.org/
5 Entries
Jeanne steele
June 28, 2025
Henry Zeybel
June 25, 2025
Richard Sutter was "The Man": a true and reliable friend regardless of the situation. His sense of humor and positive attitude toward life made the best events better and the worst events acceptable.
I was a year ahead of him at Penn State and we became friends on meeting. We pledged Delta Upsilon together, along with Jim Garrity and Russ Miller. Our quartet kept things lively at all times. We outmaneuvered whatever pitfalls we encountered.
Richard was selfless. He shared far beyond the ordinary. He loaned me his best clothes, particularly a collarless sport coat that made me feel like a movie star.
Upon graduation, I joined the Air Force for twenty years. Whenever I returned to Pittsburgh, Richard nurtured our friendship. After my parents died, he hand held me through the turmoil. He instantly responded to help solve problems.
And that´s the way it went for seventy-plus years. His son-Rick-once described him to me as a cross between Coach Bear Bryant and Mr. Rogers. A perfect call. Richard was beautiful.
Tracey and John Gladd
June 20, 2025
I´m so full of good memories of Uncle Dick. Aunt Helen and he brought so much fun and love to our times together. I know you are being welcomed in heaven by all the Sutters and Prices. Love you.
Amy McCune
June 19, 2025
Uncle Dick, always a giving person and was one who lived a robust life. Uncle Dick didn´t seem to let many things get him down. Every time I saw him, he was in good spirits and had lots of positive words and advice to give out to everyone. I have good memories of spending time with Uncle Dick and Aunt Helen at the lake and remember how Uncle Dick loved sitting out back watching the sunset. The holidays were never dull at our house with my dad playing the piano, while Uncle Dick would sing Christmas songs. He will be missed.
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Stephen & Joan Mock
June 19, 2025
Uncle Dick, as he was known to our family, was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He also was a great brother, especially to my mom, Martha Jeanne Mock, visiting regularly when she had Parkinson´s living in Seminole, FL. His smile and laughter also brightened everywhere he was. More than anything, he carried on the legacy of his faith in His Lord Jesus that his parents passed on to him. He was a great man of faith and servant of our Lord. We were so blessed to know him and experience his love and care. We look forward to seeing him again when our time comes to be with the Lord. Thank you, Dick, for being a special person who touched our lives forever.
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