Frank J. Sutfin, 54, a 36-year grounds-equipment operator for the university, died April 17 at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pa., after a long illness.
Sutfin joined the university in May of 1960 as a grounds worker, and he is remembered by colleagues as fun-loving, hard-working and energetic. Soon promoted to equipment operator, he could always be relied on to make it into work, regardless of the day or hour or hazardous road conditions, said Clifford A. Duda, associate director of the grounds department. "He was always among the volunteers to work throughout the night and long into the next day, plowing and salting our campus roads, despite minimal rest," Duda said. "Our snowplow readiness started with Frank."
Sutfin also was a member and past president of the Danby Pirates Club, a charter member of the Cornell Recreation Club and a member and gun safety instructor for the National Rifle Association.
He is survived by a son, Frank J. Sutfin Jr. of Ithaca; a daughter, Annette M. Sutfin of Brooktondale; nine brothers; a sister; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.