Michael D. Sutliffe, 69, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 29, 2014. He was born on December 21, 1944 to the late John “Jack” Bennett Sutliffe and Merle Higgins Sutliffe. After graduating from Greenwich High School in 1963, Mike joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Ault for four years. Upon returning from his service, Mike worked as an Engineer for Pitney Bowes in Stamford and remained there for 30 years until his retirement.
As the family MacGyver, Mike was a brilliant repairman and inventor. He was a self-taught mechanic and loved to spend his time learning about and working on cars. Affectionately called Crabby Mike, he was best known for his tough skin and loving soul. Even during his many illnesses, Mike always remained hopeful, happy, and strong. He will be most remembered for his deep devotion, care, and love for his family. His family will miss him dearly and promises to always check the engine oil and tire pressure in their cars.
Mike is survived by his wife, Paula Campiformio Sutliffe, daughter Susan Sutliffe Kordas and her husband Robert, daughter Sarah Sutliffe DiGirolamo and her husband Michael, daughter Ellen Sutliffe Hain and dear friend Sebastian Arenas, sister Lynne Vance, brother Thomas A. Sutliffe, sister Elizabeth Sutliffe, brother Frank Higgins Leister, grandsons Andrew Michael and Matthew Vincent DiGirolamo, granddaughter Chloe Elizabeth Kordas, his five dogs, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by his infant children, Michael Sutliffe and Susannah Merle Sutliffe, and his stepmother, Elizabeth “Betty” Mansfield Sutliffe.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, November 5 at 11am at The Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. A reception will immediately follow the service in Fletcher Hall. Donations in Mike’s memory are encouraged and can be made to The Fund for Greenwich Hospital at giving.greenhosp.org or by calling 203-863-3889.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael D. Sutliffe, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.