Obituary of William H. "Bill" Sutherland

William H. "Bill" Sutherland, age 87, of Penn Yan, NY passed away Tuesday, September 19th, 2023 at the Keuka Comfort Care Home.

William was born in Penn Yan, NY on September 2nd, 1936, the son of Harry W. and Helen (Nielsen) Sutherland. Bill graduated from Penn Yan Academy, and attended Syracuse University until his enlistment in the United States Marine Corp. in 1956, in which he proudly served actively until 1958, and in reserves until 1962. He married the late Delores Dean on May 10th, 1958. Bill entered the construction business, working alongside his father, in the company started by Bill's grandfather, Fred C. Sutherland in 1922. Upon Bill's return from military service, he rejoined his father, and continued the further development of the Lake Street Plaza and several neighborhoods on the former fairgrounds property as well as over 1,000 homes in the Penn Yan area.

Bill is an honorary member of the Penn Yan Fire Dept., Hydrant Hose Company, and emergency squad. He served over 50 years with the Kiwanis Club of Penn Yan, serving as president, Lt. Governor of the Finger Lakes Region, and was the recipient of the Hixon Award in 2004.

Bill served as a member of the Central Lakes Home Builders Association, Penn Yan Jaycees, and was a member of the Penn Yan Moose Lodge and the Bluff Point United Methodist Church. Bill was a co-recipient, along with his wife, Delores, of the Keuka College Community Service Award.

Bill enjoyed Tuesday Coffee Club, annual trips to Gettysburg, Thanksgivings in Florida, birthday trips with Delores, and the family trip to Scotland in 2007. He also loved spending time with his family whom he was so proud of. A highlight for Bill was the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight 53 from Rochester, in which his grandson, Bryan, was his guardian for the trip.

Bill is predeased by his wife of 63 years, Delores. He is survived by daughters, Karen (John) Budd, Wendy (Lance) Mc Fetridge, Pamela (Jeffrey) Housel, Lynne (JJ) Covell, and Susan (Jill) Ponnozzo; grandchildren, Amber (Cory)MacPherson, Bryan (Alison) Housel, Jessica (Thomas) Faga, Jennifer (Michael) Ballard, Kelli (Austin) Brown, Ashley (Shaun) Drennen, Matthew McFetridge, Daniel Budd, Samantha (Gordon ) Barron, and Jessica Covell. Great grandchildren, Shaun, Alex, Kaydence, Zoe, Riley, Kane, Arianna, John, Kinsley, Walker, Maisie and Lilianna. Brother, John (Carole) of Bainbridge Island, Washington, nephew, John and niece Julie.

A graveside service will be held at the convenience of his family. A celebration of Life for both Bill and Delores, will be held on Sunday, October 22nd at the Penn Yan Fire Department, from 1-5pm.  Memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to the Keuka Comfort Care Home, PO Box 107. Penn Yan, NY 14527, or the Bluff Point United Methodist Church at P. O. Box 134, Bluff Point, NY 14478. Memories of Bill may be shared with his family and friends at townsendwoodzinger.com