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Francis X. Sutton Obituary

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Francis X. Sutton

Dobbs Ferry, NY

July 7, 1917 - December 18, 2012

Francis X. Sutton Obituary

A noted social scientist, foundation official and resident of Dobbs Ferry for 55 years, Francis X. Sutton passed away on Tuesday December 18th, 2012. Born in Oneida, PA on July 7, 1917, he was raised in Newtown, PA, and educated at Temple University 1938, Princeton 1940, and Harvard 1940, and PhD 1950, where he was a Junior fellow in the Society of Fellows. He taught at Harvard from 1946-1954, where he also met his wife, the psychologist, Ruth Jacqueline Young, on August 24, 1948, who predeceased him in 2002. Joining the Ford Foundation in 1954, he had a long career as program officer, overseas representative, notably in East Africa, deputy vice president, acting vice president, and consultant. Following his retirement from Ford, he served as acting president, board member and chairman of the Social Science Research Council and a consultant to the Rockefeller Foundation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the World Bank. He also was acting director of the Rockefeller Study and Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy, and a consultant to the Aga Khan. He is the author of The American Business Creed 1956 and numerous publications. During the War he was a Captain in the U.S. Army Corps. He was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Century Association. He was an accomplished pianist and avid dancer. He leaves four children, Peter, Sean, Philip and Elizabeth, as well as five grandchildren, Page and Spencer, Gordon and Emily, and Hannah. A memorial service is planned.

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