Frederick P. Sutliff, 94, ophthalmologist

Frederick P. Sutliff, 94, formerly of Penn Valley, a Philadelphia-area ophthalmologist and avid sportsman, died Thursday, Feb. 12, of respiratory failure at the Hill at Whitemarsh.

A Philadelphia native, Dr. Sutliff graduated from Moravian College in Bethlehem and received his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine in 1946. He also completed a medical residency at Temple.

Dr. Sutliff was attending physician of ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital and affiliated with Bryn Mawr Hospital, Temple University Hospital, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, and Jeanes Hospital.

He joined the Montgomery County Medical Society in 1953 and served as its president in 1975.

Dr. Sutliff could trace his lineage back to Abel Sutliff, a private who fought in the Revolutionary War. In 1947, he and his wife, Helen Filo, and the couple's daughter, Gail Moss, lived on Guam, where he served in the Navy Medical Corps. He achieved the rank of lieutenant, junior grade, and was proud of his military service, his family said in a statement.

On returning stateside, he pursued an active lifestyle as a sportsman; he knew how to have fun. He enjoyed golfing with his son, Rick, and watching his son's sporting events. Father and son also loved watching the Phillies play on TV and sometimes at the ballpark.

He was president of the Doctors Golf Association of Philadelphia and won numerous awards. Later in life, he played golf with his friends "the Ding Dongers" at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, where he was a member.

Dr. Sutliff enjoyed swimming in the Atlantic Ocean from a family home in Brant Beach, N.J., as well as boating, and saltwater fishing. He co-owned a 52-foot sailboat with a friend and sailed it on the Chesapeake Bay.

He believed in helping those less fortunate. In that vein, Dr. Sutliff supported Temple University's scholarship program. He was on the board of trustees for 15 years at Moravian College, and supported Abington Hospital, Presbyterian Children's Village, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

On the political front, he was a staunch Republican and voted for every GOP presidential candidate during his lifetime.

Dr. Sutliff was an accomplished bridge player and also played the trumpet while his daughter played the piano at the Men's Bible Study Class at First Presbyterian Church in Germantown.

In later life, he joined Narberth Presbyterian Church and loved to attend church luncheons with his wife.

Dr. Sutliff was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia and the Harold D. Speakman Post 356 of the American Legion in Narberth.

"He was a fun-loving guy," his daughter said. "He loved his collie, MacGregor. His favorite thing to do was have cocktails, and dinner, and then watch a Phillies game. He read history voraciously and was an intellectual of the highest degree."

Besides his wife of 70 years, and his son and daughter, Dr. Sutliff is survived by three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. His three sisters died earlier.

A celebration of life is planned for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, 415 W. Willow Grove Ave., Philadelphia. Burial will be later at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations may be made to Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19140.