Dawn Ressler Sutton

Dawn Ressler Sutton, aged 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 20th in Sarasota, Florida. She was born on January 27, 1946 in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Donald and Melva Ressler.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Ressler Junior. She is survived by her husband Bob Sutton, son Greg Sutton (wife Jordan), daughter Kelly Russell (husband Peter), grandsons Zach and Shane Russell, and brother Ronald Ressler (wife Karen).

Dawn grew up in Allenton, Hawaii, and Annapolis as the family followed her father’s career in the Navy. After a graduating from Annapolis HS, she attended Frostburg College where she graduated in 1968 with a BS in Elementary Education. While at Frostburg, she met her future husband, Bob Sutton. They were married on February 14, 1969, and celebrated their 55th anniversary this year. After college, she taught for several years as a fourth-grade elementary teacher. In 1970, Bob entered the Air Force and the two of them moved to San Angelo, TX. After Texas, they returned to Annapolis where Bob was assigned to Ft. Meade as a signal intelligent specialist. After a year in Annapolis, Bob got a new assignment to Misawa, Japan. While in Japan, Dawn became pregnant and had to leave early and return to Annapolis where their first child, Greg, was born at the Naval Academy in 1974. Bob was discharged from active duty in 1974 and returned to his teaching and coaching position in the Baltimore County school system. Their second child, Kelly was born in 1976. Dawn became a dedicated “stay at home” mother while Bob commuted from Annapolis to Baltimore County. In 1980, the Suttons moved to Perry Hall in Baltimore County so Bob could be closer to work. When both kids were in school, Dawn ventured into the private sector. She and her best friend started a cleaning business of new and model homes. After the cleaning business, she connected with another neighbor who started a collection business. They started the business, ERI, with three partners and later grew to over 60 employees. Dawn served in several positions, including CFO and CAO, until she retired in 2008. After both Dawn and Bob fully retired, they moved to Sarasota. Dawn enjoyed traveling. She and Bob traveled throughout the Caribbean, spent a month in Hawaii staying on all the islands, and visited many cities and towns in Europe. They especially enjoyed visiting Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey. Their favorite city was New York, which they chose for their honeymoon. They returned quite often to enjoy the many great restaurants and Broadway shows. With few exceptions, Dawn and Bob traveled every year, for 50 years, to Bob’s family reunion in Buffalo the first weekend in August.

Dawn was always very active in the United Methodist church and the Women Federation Clubs of Perry Hall and Annapolis, where she was elected president for both clubs. While a member of Palm Aire CC, she became an avid nine-hole golfer. As a member of the Palm Aire Nine Hole Women’s Golf Association, she served in several officer positions and was President twice. When relaxing at home, Dawn enjoyed knitting. She focused on making prayer shawls for her church and baby blankets for charitable organizations. Dawn was also active in a local tutoring program for underprivileged students. The family will hold a Celebration of Life in Annapolis this January, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.