George Sutcliffe

Sutcliffe, George L., 87, of Greenville, died January 20, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Olive (Chew) Sutcliffe. Born in North Providence, he was a son of the late George W. and Gladys (Warburton) Sutcliffe.

George was a decorated WWII fighter pilot who completed over 80 missions including four on "D-Day". He received worldwide fame when on June 14, 1944 he successfully outmaneuvered 40 enemy warplanes in an intense air battle over Lisieux, France. His heroic actions lead to his induction into the Smithfield Heritage Hall of Fame, State of Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, and the State of Rhode Island Aviation Hall of Fame. George was also featured on History Channel's documentary series "Dogfights". He also became a member of the Caterpillar club for bailing out of his airplane over New Haven, CT in 1943.

George established the successful Bradford-Sutcliffe Insurance Agency in 1957 and the Jay G. Lawrence Foundation in 2001. He was also a past president of the Smithfield Lions Club, a member of the Quiet Birdmen Pilot Association, the Smithfield Memorial Veterans Committee, the Quonset Air Museum, Smithfield VFW #2929, and a charter member of the National World War II Museum. More than anything, he was a true humanitarian and always lent a helping hand to those less fortunate.

Besides his wife, he leaves two children, Lynne Lawrence and her husband Jerry, Barry Sutcliffe and his wife Paula, all of Smithfield, grandchildren Peter Lawrence, serving in Kuwait, and his wife Tammi, Brad, Aaron, and Mark Sutcliffe, and a great grandchild Brenna Lynne Lawrence. He also leaves his sister Joyce Carlton. He was the beloved grandfather of the late Jay Lawrence and brother of the late Betty Leigh.

His funeral will be held Tuesday at 8:30 AM from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, followed by a Requiem Eucharist at 10AM in St. Alban's Church, 1964 Smith St. Burial with military honors will be in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. Calling Hours Monday 3:30-7:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jay G. Lawrence Foundation, PO Box 580, Greenville, RI 02828, St. Alban's Church, 1964 Smith St., North Providence, RI 02911, or Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main St, Providence, RI 02906.