David was born in Newark, New Jersey. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1966. Following his military service, he first worked for larger corporations, including Bache & Company, Dun & Bradstreet, and Billboard before starting his own businesses.

He had a talent for solving challenging problems and puzzles, which showed up in his business technology work, in his chess game, and, later in life, with Bridge organizations where he also held leadership positions. Across business, personal, and family arenas, he sought out opportunities to provide advice. He had a sharp and confident mind showcased in engaging and probing conversations and completing daily crossword puzzles in pen. His interests and knowledge base were broad, from the natural world captured in photography, gardening, and astronomy, to music and theatre, to chemistry, to automotive and home repair, to history, sports, and current events.

A passion in his retirement was Bridge, and he achieved Ruby Life Master status while also creating new friendships. He was an amiable host: expert preparer of a martini, precision griller, and sharer of witty comments and humorous stories.

While a bright mind, industrious spirit, and keen wit contribute to a full life, a little chance helps as well. A 1968 night when the Lexington Avenue subway was not running led to a drink with a colleague and culminated in an engagement, a 1969 wedding, and 53 years of marriage to his beloved wife and life partner, Michele (née Trencher).

After leaving Manhattan for “the sticks” of suburban Essex County, they raised their two sons, Brad and Jon, in West Orange. David and Michele continued to live in this home where they welcomed friends and family including their daughters-in-law, Elizabeth and Cate, and four adoring grandchildren, Alexander, Sylvia, Leo, and Harrison.

David was predeceased by his parents, Dr. H. Lawrence Sutton and Sylvia Sutton, and his brother, Dr. Richard Sutton.

To honor his life, the immediate family will gather for a memorial service that will be livestreamed from the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel. The date of this event will be updated on the website: www.bernheimapterkreitzman.com. The family welcomes your sharing of fond memories on the website as well. In lieu of flowers, those so inclined could make donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation (https:// www.parkinson.org/ ) or WGBO (https://wbgo-web.memsys.com/donate/).