Operatic Singer Mourned
May 2, 1937 to July 29, 2003
As a bass soloist, Leo has entertained thousands with his operatic performances. He died at his home in Bedford Heights on Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Leo Sutherland, age 66 of Cleveland, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 29, 2003
He was born on May 2, 1937 as the son of the late Eva and Daniel Sutherland. He graduated fro Cleveland East Technical High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Dyke College in 1967. He worked as a accountant for Sherman Williams Paint Company, Sealtest Food Company and Eaton Corp.
A bass soloist Leo Sutherland entertained thousands in concerts through the United States and Canada. He trained as the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto Canada.
Leo Sutherland was a finalist in the Great Lakes Regional Metropolitan Opera auditions in 1985. He was selected to the principal soloist with the Miami University (Ohio) Acappella Choir in 1985. He has appeared as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus under the direction of Robert Shaw. He also performed with the Cleveland Opera from 1990 to 1992. Leo Sutherland was an entrepreneur. He and his wife owned and operated the Mile Ave Dry Cleaners for many years. He sold insurance for Southwestern and Allianz Corporation and was a financial advisor. He was a substitute teacher in the Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Hudson and Maple Heights School System Most recently Leo promoted his own vocal talent as well as other vocal talent under his own company of Adlitam Productions. He was preceded in death by his parents Eve and Daniel Sutherland, and brother William Sutherland. Leo Sutherland is survived by his wife of 36 years; Mrs. Dorothy L. Sutherland; daughter – Lynn (Leonard) Sutherland Russell; son – Dwight R. (Erlinda) Johnson, Sr.; grandchildren – Mrs. Gina D. (William) Johnson-Theesfield and Dwight R. Johnson, Jr.; great grandchildren – Alexander and Mathew Theesfield; sisters – Dorothy Lewis and Jan “Josie” Brown; uncle – Ewing Sutherland; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.