Robert Joseph Sutton's Obituary
Robert Joseph Sutton was born on September 10th, 1976, in Frankfurt, Germany. He was raised in Crofton, Maryland, whereby he graduated from Arundel High School in 1994 before attending the United States Naval Academy. As a mathematics major, he graduated from the Academy in May of 1998 and accepted commission into the United States Navy. Rob subsequently attended Surface Warfare Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon graduation, he married his wife Erin of 25 years on June 19th, 1999. Together, they moved to Hawaii where Rob reported to Pearl Harbor as the Damage Control Officer onboard the U.S.S Paul Hamilton (DDG/60). In 2001, Rob’s second tour of duty was in Norfolk, Virginia where he was the Fire Control Officer onboard the U.S.S Ramage (DDG/61). In 2003, Rob took orders to Dahlgren, Virginia where he was the Deputy Program Manager for LCS while concurrently attending the Robert H. Smith School of Business at University of Maryland, College Park. Rob transitioned out of the Navy in 2005 working as a civilian in the Department of the Navy managing the finance office in Dahlgren, Virginia.
In May 2006, Rob graduated from the University of Maryland with an MBA and a Masters of Finance. He was selected to participate in the prestigious Executive Associate Program at M&T Bank Corporation. Rob completed the EA Program and embarked on his career in real estate finance as a Relationship Manager in the Bank’s Washington DC market. Building on his success as an RM, Rob distinguished himself as an exceptional real estate professional and, given both his relationship and execution skills, he was invited to join M&T’s Investment Banking/Debt Capital Markets Group with the specific task of establishing and building a real estate capital markets function. In this role, Rob truly excelled. His ability to interface with the Bank’s largest developers and his technical expertise at structuring the most complex real estate transactions differentiated Rob inside the Bank. In addition, Rob’s leadership of the Group and work ethic, as well as his deep, functional knowledge of the commercial real estate market contributed immensely to the success of the Team. Rob was highly-regarded by all - colleagues, clients, attorneys, and investors. Whether mentoring junior staff, educating internal constituents, or engaging with other institutions, Rob excelled as the Head of Real Estate Debt Capital Markets. Finally, as offered by his peers, Rob was a best-in-class capital markets banker and, more importantly, an even better person.
Rob is survived by his wife, Erin Sutton, beloved daughter, Emily Sutton, who will be attending Dartmouth College this fall, Christina Middleton (sister) and his parents: Alice Middleton (mother), Gary Middleton (step-father), Bob Sutton (father), Rosemary Sutton (step-mother). Rob was an avid skier and could often be found on the back bowls in Vail Colorado with Emily. Rob had an affinity for travel and enjoyed exploring at least one new place every year. Rob loved trying new foods, hiking, and visiting with friends and colleagues.
Rob had a zest for life and endless supply of love for his family, colleagues, shipmates, and friends. He considered his crowning accomplishment to be the raising of his daughter, Emily. Rob will forever be missed and remembered.
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