Mr. Nathaniel J. Sutton

May 24, 1941 - February 25, 2022

Nathaniel J. Sutton, age 80, passed on Friday, February 25, 2022. He was born in Durham, North Carolina on May 24, 1941, to his parents Nathaniel and Pursell Sutton. Nat was predeceased by his loving parents, Nathaniel and Pursell Sutton, his brother and sister-in-law, John and Clare Sutton, his brother, Charles Sutton, his sister, Blanche Samuels, his brother Calvin Sutton, and his close friend, Carl Mosbacher. Nat leaves to cherish his memory his brother and sister-in-law, Victor and Thelma Sutton, his brother and sister-in-law, Samuel and Loren Sutton, many adoring nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, godchildren, many dear friends, and his beloved dog, MacIntosh. Nat was an avid art collector and supporter of the arts who loved attending Broadway shows, dance, and visiting museums in New York and throughout the world. A superb amateur chef, he delighted in entertaining and often prepared delicious meals for friends and family, ranging from Southern to French cuisine. Nat was world traveled and enjoyed practicing his French when and wherever he could. He earned a BA from City College of New York and a diploma in International Public Affairs from the Centre d’Etudes Industrielles in Lausanne, Switzerland. He graduated from Harvard Business School’s AMP ’81 Program. Nat began his career in Europe as a freelance journalist for the International Herald Tribune. Returning to New York, he worked in public relations and corporate communications with the famed director, Dr. Howard Rusk, at New York University Medical Center. He was then recruited to Citibank, where he oversaw the corporation’s internal and external communications, investor communications, digital media, and creative services. Retiring after 33 years as head of corporate communications for Citibank, Nat immediately started a new career in executive search and became Vice Chairman of Heidrick and Struggles. Most recently Nat was partner and Managing Director at ZRG. Nat has worked for leading corporations as well as a broad variety of major education, arts, cultural, and philanthropic organizations serving clients including Jazz at Lincoln Center, Volunteers of America of Greater New York, Howard University, The Dalton School, The Charles D. and Catherine T. McArthur Foundation, Hershey Trust Company, Ford Motor Company, National Geographic Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dartmouth College, Columbia University, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the National Aquarium Foundation, and The International Center for Photography. He has served on the boards of CADCA, Houston Jazz, and the New York Harvard Business School Club and previously served on the boards of the League of American Orchestras, the American Folk Art Museum, and the Metropolitan Opera Guild. He was also the former Chair of the Board of Directors of the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. Nat’s charming demeanor, beautiful smile, and generous spirit will be greatly missed. The Graveside Homegoing Celebration will take place on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at one o'clock, at Beechwood Cemetery, 3300 Fayetteville Street, Durham, North Carolina 27707, with a reception immediately following at The Graham Mill, 205 W. Harden Street, Graham, NC 27253. A memorial service will also be held in New York City in April. For further information please contact Samuel Sutton [email protected] In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the Diabetes Research Institute or the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).