Roland Lee Sutton Jr.

Roland L Sutton Jr., 94, passed away peacefully at his home in Bentley Village - Naples, FL on Friday November 4th with his wife, Nancy, of 69 years, and all of his children and grandchildren present in celebration of his life.

Roland, the only son of Roland Sr and Louise Sutton was born in Sanford, Florida. Early interests included playing the trumpet, wrestling, football, sailing and a passion for tennis, which provided “therapy” for him into his 94th year. Roland was active in scouting, receiving his Eagle Scout and later the highest adult award, The Silver Beaver.

Roland earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University and after graduation, went to work for Burgess Norton Mfg. Co. in Geneva, Illinois. Soon thereafter, his job was interrupted as he served one tour of duty as a 1st Lt. in the Army Ordinance Corps. in the Korean War. It was through a chance friendship with David West, while serving in Korea, that he became aware of his future wife, Nancy, who happened to be David’s cousin. A blind date sealed the deal!

Soon after their marriage and the births of two of their four children, they moved to Maine, a favorite long time summer refuge for Nancy’s family. This move provided the ideal place for them to raise their growing family and for Roland to co-found Maine Machine Products Company with his childhood friend Bill Detert. Roland and Bill ran the company together for twenty-five years providing good paying jobs and supporting the local community. After buying out his partner, Roland, his three sons, and a cast of very talented associates continued to grow and operate the business for another thirty plus years before exiting the business in 2010. By that time the business numbered one hundred sixty employees, conducted business coast to coast and was well credentialed and recognized for its contributions to manufacturing both locally and nationally.

Professionally, Roland served on boards and committees of the MMPA, SBANE, JMG, BTMA, and the NTMA, the national trade association for the tooling and machining industry, where he served as Chairman from 1996 – 1997. He was also a longtime volunteer with SCORE.

Locally, he was active in the First Congregational Church in S. Paris, Maine, participating both locally and nationally (NACCC), and when he moved to Florida helped establish the First Congregational Church of Naples. He served on many boards, including Stephens Memorial Hospital, as Trustee and Board Chair, was a member of the Masons, Kora Temple and Maine Boy Scouts of America. In the early 1980’s Roland served two terms as a State Senator in Maine’s legislature.

Roland was a lifelong learner, eagerly waiting for and embracing, what’s next. He was a very compassionate, humble and private man. He left a positive impact on so many! Love you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa!

The family would like to express its thanks to Bentley Village, Bonita Nurse, CG Services and AVOW Hospice for the care and comfort extended to Roland and to the family over the past many months.

Roland is survived by his daughter, Meg Sutton and husband, David Styrczula, son, Jeff and wife, Kim Sutton, son, Dave and wife Kathy Sutton, Son, Ted and wife Judi Sutton, his grandchildren Ethan Sutton (wife Mary), Zach Sutton (partner Renee), Kaylene Sutton, Matt Sutton, Nick Sutton, Jami Hayden (husband Sean), Shannen Styrczula, and great grandchildren, Roczen Sutton, Elianna and Ethan Sutton Jr.

A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, July 3rd 2023 at 1:00pm at First Congregational Church (17 E Main St, South Paris, ME 04281).

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to:

AVOW Hospice Inc.: https://www.classy.org/give/399367/#!/donation/checkout

and/or

Central Maine Community College – Roland Sutton Scholarship Endowment: https://www.cmcc.edu/foundation/donate/