Eugene D. Sutherland, WWII Merchant Marine and Army Paratrooper, Dies at 85

Eugene Daniel Sutherland, who lived a long, colorful life serving his country and participating in Sparta's civic life, died at his home surrounded by his family Monday at the age of 85, according to an obituary on the Goble Funeral Home website.

Born in Staten Island, N.Y., Sutherland attended New York grade and high schools to 1944 and entered the U.S. military. He was a member of the Merchant Marines during WWll, 1944-45, joining at the age of 16. Then he joined another wing of the nation's armed forces, serving as a member of the U.S. Army Paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Infantry until being honorably discharged in 1947. 

After his military service, Sutherland attended City College of New York on the GI Bill. He went on to have a long career in the corrugated box industry with the firms International Paper, Schiffenhaus Brothers and, from 1963 until his passing, Sutherland Packaging, (previously Sutherland Poly-Box).
Sutherland also had a civic side: He founded the Highlands Workshop and served on the Birth Haven board. He also was a member of the Pope John High School Booster Club and Finance Committee, a member of Our Lady of the Lake Church, a patron of the Rev. Brown School and a 50-year member of the Lake Mohawk Golf Club.

He is predeceased by his son Peter John Sutherland and his brother Joseph Sutherland.

Sutherland is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Ann (Reilly) Sutherland; children and in-laws: Eileen and Josh Brupbacher, Michael and Joanna Sutherland, Thomas and Irene Sutherland, Daniel and Therese Sutherland, Margaret and Michael Keller, Joseph and Anna Sutherland and Patrick and Sonali Sutherland; 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services were facilitated through Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., and the funeral was held at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 294 Sparta Ave.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to: Birth Haven Inc, 4 Academy St., Newton, NJ 07860.