William Christopher “Chris” Sutton

Chris Sutton departed this world for the next, very unexpectedly, on July 15, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born on August 22, 1962 to Anita (Cook) Sutton and William Sutton in Corning, NY.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Clifford and Rachael Sutton, and Raymond and Estella Cook, along with faither-in-law Ed Pigford.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sherry (Pigford) Sutton, son Zachary (Caitlin) Sutton, granddaughters Cali and Mari Sutton, his parents Bill and Anita Sutton, sister Deborah (Joseph) Carapella, brother Clifford (Amy) Sutton, mother-in-law Joan Pigford, sister-in-law Laura (Arthur) Steinart, and many nieces, nephews and treasured friends.

Chris grew up in Big Flats, NY enjoying life to its fullest running free in the neighborhood with all of his friends, especially treasured friend Jeff Wacenske, and enjoying summer trips and pool time with his family. He was an excellent athlete and especially enjoyed baseball from Little League up through Varsity. His competitive nature never left him. He also was known to always enjoy a good round of poker. He graduated from Horseheads High School and went on to get a degree in Accounting from SUNY Fredonia. He quickly thereafter started his career at Philips Lighting Company in 1985, where he worked himself up to being Financial Controller, faithfully serving them until they closed their doors in 2014. He made many treasured friendships there and had more laughs than should ever be permitted to happen in a workplace, especially with his buddy Keith Russell. Philips Lighting is also where he met his lifelong soul mate, best friend and wife, Sherry. They very quickly knew they were meant for each other and married on May 5, 1990. They were lucky enough to enjoy 36 wonderful years of marriage, making their home in Savona, NY. 

The greatest highlight of these years was the birth of their son, Zachary. Chris loved being his dad immeasurably and was so incredibly proud of his boy and the man he became. He spent countless hours coaching many of Zach’s youth teams, loving making memories with so many kids, while forming friendships with families who became so much more than friends. Most of the photos taken during these years include the Barney family and the many adventures and wonderful times they experienced together. 

Chris was lucky enough to stay in the same area he grew up in, allowing him to spend time with his parents, siblings and their spouses and children. He also had great close relationships with his in-laws. All will carry so many memories of the fun they had with this remarkable man. After Philips, Chris spent the rest of his working years as a school auditor for TST BOCES and he and Sherry also served as landlords when they began buying and operating several local apartment homes in the area. With Chris’ kind, caring, thoughtful ways, he always valued his relationships with his tenants. It was always so much more than a business transaction for him. 

Chris was a passionate, lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills and we know he will be rooting for them from heaven when they win that Super Bowl. He loved golfing, fishing, boating, eating wings (or most all food), crunching on ice, and time with family and friends, but for the last almost 6 years, his all time favorite thing to do was spend time with his treasured granddaughters, Cali and Mari. He had a bond with them that will never be broken or forgotten. He often talked of how having a bad day was impossible when they were present. They called him Grampy and Boppy and he was so honored. Zach and Caitlin gifted him with such a priceless treasure. 

While he did not get to live the long life he wished he would have had, he always knew he had everything he ever really needed or wanted, the love of family and friends who adored him. Rest in Peace Chris, you will be so missed.

Family and friends are invited to Fagan’s Funeral Home in Bath on Thursday July 23, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:00pm. Services will follow there at 2:00 with burial at Nondaga Cemetery immediately following.