He was born May 14, 1949 in Batavia, a son of the late William S. and Mary A. Freeman Sutherland.
For 41 years, Coach Sutherland shaped the hearts and minds of generations of Notre Dame students. During his storied tenure he taught Global Studies and Physical Education. Coach served several stints as Director of Athletics. In addition, he filled in as acting Principal in 1994 when dear friend and beloved Principal Nick Borrelli was hospitalized and ultimately passed away. The lives he touched are too numerous to list.
In 2007 the Section V Hall of Fame rewarded the legendary coach on the completion of his stellar career which included 7 GR League Football titles, 13 GR League Baseball titles as well as Section V Titles for Football in ’78, 80, ’81 and ’99. Section V Baseball Titles in ’79, ’80, ’86, ’87, ’02 and ’03. Retirement kept coach active as he added Sectional Titles for Golf in ’12, ’13 and ’14. Coach’s teams won big games. In 15 Section V Championship appearances, his teams won 14 times. While pursuing his Masters Degree in History at SUNY Brockport, Bill was hired in 1986 as Offensive Line Coach, and later Offensive Coordinator for the Brockport Golden Eagles, where he was instrumental in reviving the longtime program. Coach was always proud to have been selected as Coach for the prestigious Eddie Meath All Star Football game in 1996 alongside fellow legends Mike Monacelli of Cal-Mum and Brian Moran of LeRoy. In addition to the Section V Hall of Fame, Coach Sutherland was also enshrined in the Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame and the Western NY Baseball Hall of Fame. He was an avid golfer and a proud member of Batavia Country Club, where he spent numerous days in the warm weather golfing with friends and family.
Of all of his accomplishments, Coach Sutherland was most proud of the coaches that learned at his side, and later continued on with successful careers of their own, including Coach Denny Tresco and more recently ND great Rick Mancuso, who walked the sidelines next to him for most of 30 years. A proud member of the local community, he was always happy to have spent his life here in Batavia with childhood pals and coaching greats Jim Briggs and Jim Fanara.
Survivors include his loving wife, Melanie Montague Sutherland of Batavia. Son, Billy (Ashley) Sutherland of Batavia. Daughter, Jen (Kevin) Forsyth of South Alabama. Grandchildren Nora Ryan Forsyth and Patrick William Forsyth. Siblings, Kathleen (Chris) George of Batavia, Ann (late Corky) Pringle of Batavia, David (Annie) Sutherland of Rochester, Mary Sutherland of Batavia and Jim (Tracy) Sutherland of Batavia. Sisters in-law, Judy Della Penna of Batavia and Wendy (Charles) Pero of Atlanta, GA. Also survived by his canine companion, Molly and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was the uncle of the late Ryan Sutherland.
Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Wednesday (Aug. 26th) and Thursday (Aug. 27th) from 4-8pm in the gymnasium of Notre Dame High School, 73 Union St., Batavia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, 11am at Notre Dame High School. Interment will be in St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Bergen.
Wearing of a face covering and social distancing will be enforced throughout visitation and funeral service.
Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the family for distribution to various charities. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at: www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.
