Though it was considered risky at the time, it was required. The ten hour long procedure was performed on June 26, but Sterling had a third heart attack on the operating table and died two days later at the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. He was only 50 years old. His funeral. Burial took place on July 2 at the Lakeview Cemetery, Interlocken, New York. A memorial was held at the Cornell University's Sage Chapel on the July 7 date of 1975