Roger L. Sutliff

Roger Leon Sutliff, beloved husband of Patricia Sutliff, son of Mary (Williams) Sutliff Rowley and Ralph Sutliff, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026 at the age of 94. He was aware and interacting with family until his final days. A US Marine with grit and determination, he rallied again and again, overcoming one recent medical obstacle after another, convincing his family he would return home once again. Despite his best efforts, after kissing Patricia’s hand during one of her last visits to the hospital, he closed his eyes and drifted away over the next few days.

Roger is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia Sutliff, his children, Sharon Wondrasch of North Andover, MA, Paul Sutliff of Delmar, NY and Lynda Porcaro of Essex, CT. Roger is survived by his brother, Larrie Sutliff of Briarcliff Manor, NY, who he fondly referred to as Ace because of their shared love of flying. He is predeceased by his brother, Calvin Sutliff of Brooklyn, NY and is survived by his sister-in-law, Cindy Sutliff. Roger leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Ella, Kate and Jack Sutliff, Blake and Gage Wondrasch and Jason, Olivia and Chloe Porcaro and 6 nieces and nephews, Jeff (Debbie) Sutliff, Regina (Tom) Braun, Pete (Sharon) Sutliff, Jane (John) Sutliff-Loerke, Tai (Kate) Sutliff and Huong (Jack) Pacelle-Sutliff and is predeceased by his nephew, Jim Sutliff. He is survived by 9 great nieces and nephews, Ariana and Joseph Braun, Nichole and Alyson Sutliff, Tessa Sutliff, Dante Pacelle-Sutliff, Ray Loerke and Lucy and Sam Sutliff.

Roger joined the Marines after a brief stint at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and entered flight school in Pensacola, FL where he met his Southern belle, Patricia, on a blind date. He wed Patricia in 1956 and returned to RPI and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. Roger retired from the US Marine Airborne Unit as a Major after 20 years of service, flying helicopters and jets in the Checkerboard Squadron from both land and sea, as a carrier qualified pilot. He was featured in Time magazine, piloting a helicopter to provide United States humanitarian aid to mountainous communities in Spain, who were isolated following a mudslide. Roger began his civilian career at New York Tel, followed by employment with the NY State Public Service Commission as Chief of Systems Planning until his retirement.

In retirement, Patricia and Roger travelled extensively, fulfilling Patricia’s desire to see more of the world. Through their church, they volunteered and rebuilt homes in St. Croix following heavy hurricane destruction. Roger volunteered in Boy Scouts of America, trailering racks of canoes with his son, Paul, on wilderness trips. Roger was an active member of the Delmar United Methodist Church from boyhood until his death, volunteering on the Board of Trustees and as a parishioner, year after year with weekly collections, accounting, wiring repairs and maintenance, lighting during Christmas shows, greeting parishioners, hosting coffee hour and recording services for those who could not attend. Roger drove the Delmar Seniors Van for years, transporting residents to appointments, and also delivered food to the elderly with the Meals on Wheels program. Roger had a lifelong love of learning, intrigued with a challenging puzzle and curious about how everything worked. Roger enjoyed working with his hands, keeping a well-stocked workbench, maintaining cars and equipment and fixing broken toys and treasures. Roger was active in the American Legion until his hospitalization, attending weekly gatherings with friends, after hanging up their bowling shoes following years of friendly games.

Calling hours will be at Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Avenue, in Delmar, NY on Friday, November 6th from 4 to 7 pm. Burial with military honors will be on Saturday, November 7th at 10 am at Bethlehem Cemetery, 286 Kenwood Avenue in Delmar. Please arrive at Applebee Funeral Home by 9:30 am for the funeral procession to the cemetery. Roger’s memorial service will be at First United Methodist Church of Delmar, 428 Kenwood Avenue, on Sunday, November 8th at 1:30 pm followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.