 |
George H. Sutcliffe Lakeville, MA QCWA # 22773 Chapter 172 |
George Sutcliffe
Norfolk - Lt. Cdr. George H. Sutcliffe (USN-Ret), 84, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2012, at home. A native of Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late George Anthony Sutcliffe and Marion Murphy Sutcliffe.
Mr. Sutcliffe graduated from Massachusetts Maritime Academy in May 1947, after which he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve and entered the U.S. Merchant Marine Service. He was called to active duty in 1950 and in 1952 completed certification in Underwater Demolition Team Training. He later served on UDT 3 and 12. He served three tours in Korea and later three tours in Vietnam. He was most proud that he never lost a man on any of his missions. He served on the USS Sussex, USS Reaper, USS Springfield, and the USS Algol. His final duty station was Naval Amphibious School, Little Creek where he served as an instructor.
Following his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Sutcliffe obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees from Old Dominion University. He began his second career in education and taught at Azalea Gardens Middle School and Old Dominion University until his retirement in 1989. Mr. Sutcliffe was a member of the American Rose Society and Tidewater Rose Society, the Eagle Haven Men's Golf Association at Little Creek, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy Alumni Association.Mr. Sutcliffe was an avid gardener and grew over 100 varieties of roses. A lifetime dog lover, he also enjoyed woodworking, stamp collecting, golfing, and hopeful trips to Dover Downs.
Mr. Sutcliffe is survived by his loving wife Nancy McAllister(Tatem) Sutcliffe, and his children with his former wife, the late Yvonne H. Sutcliffe. His children are Patrick G. Sutcliffe and wife Helma of Bad Zwischenahn, Germany; Paul T. Sutcliffe and Penny Dybdal of Norfolk; and Ann Sutcliffe Sutton and husband Van of Norfolk.Also surviving are grandchildren Alexis, Philip, Eamonn, Brett and Hannah Sutcliffe and Rebecca and Mallory Sutton. He is also survived by his brother, Linwood Sutcliffe of Bourne, Mass.
Mr. Sutcliffe was predeceased by granddaughter Caitlin Sutcliffe. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, William C. McAllister and his wife Rennie of Richmond. Other survivors include his three nephews Michael McAllister and wife Glory of Lynchburg, Andrew C. McAllister of Lynchburg, and Brian B. McAllister of Emmitsburg, Md.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 28 at Larchmont United Methodist Church, 1101 Jamestown Crescent, Norfolk, followed by a brief graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
His family expresses their deep appreciation for the love and support they have received from so many.
Memorial donations may be made to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzard's Bay, MA 02532-3405; or to Animal Rescue of Tidewater, P.O. Box 12834, Norfolk, VA 23541.